FALL KICK-OFF SUNDAY
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
led by Cynthia
PRELUDE
For the Beauty of the Earth
led by Erin & Cynthia
WELCOME & GREETING
including an introduction of our Sunday School and maybe a song or two
EARTH AND ALL STARS
verses 1 & 2
Earth and all stars!
Come, rushing planets!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
O victory! Order from chaos!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too will praise Him with a new song!
Hail, wind, and rain!
Come, blowing snowstorms!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Flowers and trees!
Soft rustling dry leaves!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too will praise Him with a new song!
Covenant Hymnal, #3
CALL TO WORSHIP
based on Psalm 96:1-9
Leader: O sing to the LORD a new song;
People: Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Tell of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His marvelous works among all the peoples.
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
He is to be revered above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.
Honor and majesty and before Him;
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come into His courts.
Worship the LORD in holy splendor;
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
EARTH AND ALL STARS
verses 3 & 4
Trumpet and pipes!
Loud, clashing cymbals!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Harp, lute, and lyre!
Low humming cellos!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too will praise Him with a new song!
Engines and steel!
Loud, pounding hammers!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Limestone and beams!
Strong building workers!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too will praise Him with a new song!
Covenant Hymnal, #3
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
1:1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
6 And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7 So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. 8 God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
9 And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11 Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
20 And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” 21 So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”
27 So God created humankind in His image,
in the image of God He created them;
male and female He created them.
28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” 29 God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw everything that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. 2 And on the seventh day God finished the work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that He had done in creation.
4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.
GOD OF CREATION, ALL-POWERFUL
verses 1,3, & 5
God of creation, all pow’rful, all wise,
Lord of the universe, rich with surprise,
Maker, Sustainer, and Ruler of all,
We are your children–You hear when we call.
God of redemption, who wrought our re-birth,
Called out your church from the ends of the earth,
Still you are Savior, put darkness to flight;
Overcome sin by salvation’s pure light!
God of our now, all our trust is in you,
Covenant God, ever faithful and true;
Sovereign Creator, Redeemer, and Lord,
Now and forever your name be adored!
Covenant Hymnal, #4
GOSPEL LESSON
(Stand as you are able for the reading of the Gospel.)
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
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.
Children are dismissed to the gym 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
The Order of the Day
Pastor Phil
INDESCRIBABLE
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation’s revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Ev’ry creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
chorus
Indescribable uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told ev’ry lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
2nd chorus
Indescribable uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing God
Incomparable unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart
And You love me the same
You are amazing God
CCLI Song # 4403076 CCLI License # 349090
Jesse Reeves | Laura Story© 2004 Laura Stories
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
led by Pastor Denise
We continue to pray for: Katie Gieseke, Kari Hutson, Ernesto Galaviz, Kristine Brandel’s friend Terrie, Nikolas Arden, Katie Collier, Chuck & Shirley Nicholas, Art & Rosa Hamilton, Carol Koeller’s mother Barbara, Joyce Andrews, Paul Mounts, and Steve Hoden
Ministries & Mission
Jen & Minh Dao, serving in Thailand; 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
& PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
giving opportunities: ravenscov.org/giving/
Zelle® to: giving@ravenscov.org
OFFERTORY
Moderato in C
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
.
JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE THEE
Joyful, joyful we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.
All thy works with joy surround thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain,
Call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
All who live in love are thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to thy joy divine.
Mortals, join the happy chorus
Which the morning stars began;
Love divine is reigning o’er us,
Joining all with in its span.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.
Amen.
Covenant Hymnal, # 11
BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
Postlude in E minor
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
Please join us on the sidewalk at the front steps for coffee and fellowship together.
Covid restrictions for in-person worship
Chicago is now requiring the use of masks for indoor public gatherings, so Ravenswood Covenant has reinstated safety protocols for Sunday morning worship. This means that within the building masks are required at all times, regardless of vaccination status; seating is socially distant; and handshakes and hugs are avoided.
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.
There will still be no nursery.
Fall Kick-Off Sunday today
Ravenswood Covenant moves to its school-year schedule this weekend, as we celebrate Fall Kick-Off Sunday. Worship will now begin Sundays at 10:45 am from today through Memorial Day weekend. We will mark the occasion today by again serving donuts, juice, and water on the sidewalk at the front steps following the service. Please join us!
Accessible to All? A Faithful Response to Disabilities (A virtual conference)
On Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 10 am to 3:30 pm, a virtual symposium will be held to discuss issues related to accessibility for the disabled in the church setting.
Join others to imagine how the well-being of everyone in the church would be strengthened and better reflect the kingdom of God by being fully welcoming of persons of all abilities. The keynote speaker is Benjamin Conner, Ph.D., Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Center for Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI and author of Disabling Mission, Enabling Witness: Exploring Missiology through the Lens of Disability Studies (IVP Academic, 2018). Plenary sessions and workshops will provide the opportunity to explore how congregations and healthcare professionals can collaborate in responding faithfully to the challenge of disabilities, considering what can be done together that neither can do alone.
This fourth faith and health symposium is offered by North Park Theological Seminary and North Park University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, with the support of the Good Shepherd Initiative.
Registration is now open, with the early bird rate available through September 30, 2021. For more information go to: https://www.northpark.edu/event/accessible-to-all-a-faithful-response-to-disabilities/
Sunday School and Children’s Church to resume next week
Children’s Sunday School for the fall will start next Sunday, September 19 at 9:30 am. We hope to use all of the largest non-sanctuary spaces in the building (fellowship hall, gym, upstairs lounge, multi-purpose room) to hold all of our Sunday School classes, both children’s classes and Faith Forum (the adult Sunday School class). The teachers and students will all wear masks. All our teachers have been vaccinated, as has the church staff.
Children’s Church will start next Sunday as well. Children ages 3 to 5 will be dismissed in mid-service and will meet downstairs in the fellowship hall. The lounge will continue to be used as a nursery space for families during the service, with the service livestreamed on the lounge’s television. The cry room is also available for one family at a time. More details will be sent to parents regarding Children’s Sunday School and Children’s Church.
Broadway & Hollywood Blockbusters concert
Cynthia Arden invites you to attend a Broadway & Hollwyood Blockbuster concert by the Lake County Symphony Orchestra in Long Grove, IL, on Friday, September 17 at 7 pm. The rain date is September 19 at 7 pm. Tickets are $20; children 12 and under attend free. For more information, call 847-746-3472 or go to www.lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com.
Ravenswood Farmers Market
Our farmers market continues, and will again run through the middle of October each Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Many of our vendors from last year have returned, and we have some new ones as well. As usual, our main produce and flower vendor is Patyk Farms.
Many of you are curious as to how the market is operating this year, as we continue to deal with pandemic conditions. 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.
Worship bags for kids
Each week there are 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. The bags are kept on the upper stairwell landing.
Thursday evening Zoom Bible study continues
The Thursday evening Bible study continues this coming Thursday, September 9. 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
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.”
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:
August 29: $1,065
General fund giving:
September 5: $8,257
Scripture for next Sunday
Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14
John 1:29
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.