September 15, 2024
Worship live on Sundays in person at 10:00 am,
or on YouTube at noon.
PRELUDE
led by Dana
WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE
CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 105:1-6
Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name, make known His deeds among the peoples.
People: Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonderful works.
Leader: Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
People: Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually.
Leader: Remember the wonderful works He has done, His miracles, and the judgements He has uttered,
People: O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, His chosen ones.
UNISON PRAYER
God of Abraham and Sarah, lead us into faith. God of Isaac and Rebecca, lead us into hope. God of Jacob and Rachel, lead us into love. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, guide our paths, and lead us home to You. Amen.
* THE GOD OF ABRAHAM PRAISE
The God of Abraham praise,
Who reigns enthroned above;
The ancient of eternal days,
The God of Love!
The Lord, the great I Am,
By earth and heav’n confessed,
We bow before Your holy name,
Forever blest.
Your Spirit still flows free,
High surging where It will;
In prophet’s word You spoke of old
And You speak still.
Established is Your law,
And changeless it shall stand,
Deep writ upon the human heart,
On sea or land.
You have eternal life
Implanted in the soul;
Your love shall be our strength and stay,
While ages roll.
We praise You, living God!
We praise Your holy name;
Who was, and is, and is to be,
Fore’er the same!
Covenant Hymnal, #37
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Gregory Sager
Genesis 12:1-9
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot and all the possessions that they had gathered and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran, and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east, and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. 9 And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb.
GOSPEL LESSON: Gregory Sager
John 8:33-42
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do You mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham, yet you look for an opportunity to kill Me because there is no place in you for My word. 38 I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.”
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, you would do what Abraham did, 40 but now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one Father, God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God, and now I am here. I did not come on My own, but he sent Me.
* FREEDOM
Step out of the shadows
Step out of the grave
Break into the wild
And don’t be afraid
Run into wide open spaces
Grace is waiting for you
Dance like the weight has been lifted
Grace is waiting
chorus
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom
There is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom
There is freedom
Come out of the dark just as you are
Into the fullness of His love
For the Spirit is here let there be freedom
Let there be freedom
Bring all of your burdens
Bring all of your scars
Come back to communion
Come back to the start
bridge
Chains will fall, prisons shake
At the sound of Jesus’ name
Lives made whole, hearts awake
At the sound of Jesus’ name
(Yeah)
Let there be freedom
Dance like the weight has been lifted
Grace is waiting
Let there be freedom
Let there be freedom
Brett Younker | Hank Bentley | Jordan Frye | Kristian Stanfill | Mia Fieldes © 2017 Capitol CMG Genesis; sixsteps Music; worshiptogether.com songs; Be Essential Songs; Every Square Inch; So Essential Tunes; Tempo Music Investments
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Pastor Ryan
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
Genesis 15:1-6
Leap of Faith
Pastor Ryan
I WANT JESUS TO WALK WITH ME
I want Jesus to walk with me;
I want Jesus to walk with me;
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me;
In my trials, Lord, walk with me;
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
Covenant Hymnal, #414
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
We continue to pray for: Nikolas Arden; Messian Burgos; Frank Coszach; Vira Coszach; Art & Rosa Hamilton; Trevor Hanks; Mary McKirchy; Sara Rosado; Mary Smith; Iris Velez; Lauren Vilardo; Mark Westlind; and Christian Wright
Ministries & Mission
Jochy & Tammi Hernandez, serving in the Dominican Republic
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
“For the Beauty of the Earth”
led by Leah, Dana, 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.
* COUNTING EVERY BLESSING
I was blind, now I’m seeing in color
I was dead, now I’m living forever
I had failed, but You were my Redeemer
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
I was lost, now I’m found by the Father
I’ve been changed from a ruin to treasure
I’ve been given a hope and a future
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
chorus
I am counting every blessing
Counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting
When I cannot see
I am counting every blessing
Counting every blessing
Surely every season
You are good to me
O You are good to me
O You are good to me
You were there in the valley of shadows
You were there in the depth of my sorrows
You’re my strength, my hope for tomorrow
I’ve been blessed beyond all measure
bridge
Surely Your goodness pursues me
Surely Your heart is still for me
I will remember Your mercies
All my days
Through every storm and gale
For Your goodness I will ever praise You
O You are good to me
O You are good to me
Chris Llewellyn / Gareth Gilkeson © Capitol CMG Paragon
* BENEDICTION
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
March
Henry Purcell
led by Cynthia
INVITATION
We’ll be back here next Sunday. We hope you can join us. Information on ravenscov.org.
First day of Sunday School and Faith Forum
Today is our first day of Sunday School and Faith Forum at 10:00 am! We thank God for the ministry of Christian formation and discipleship, and we pray both for those who teach our congregation and for the growth of knowledge and spiritual vitality in those who learn.
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. Please wear a nametag and let visitors know who you are! Blank nametags and Sharpies will be available both in the narthex and in the sanctuary.
KICY salmon dinner and Offerfest
We are handling Offerfest a little differently this fall. Offerfest is our church’s oldest tradition, a Sunday set aside every fall to specifically thank God for His provision in our life together by dedicating the entire morning offering that day to special projects, with the total amount announced at a sumptuous meal that follows that Sunday’s worship service. Typically, Offerfest is a stand-alone event held on the first Sunday of November, but this year it will instead be held on Sunday, October 6 in conjunction with a KICY fundraiser salmon dinner. KICY is a Covenant-owned radio station located in Nome, Alaska that serves native villages in the Alaskan bush as well as the city of Nome, and which also provides on-air evangelism outreach that broadcasts for thousands of miles into the remote Russian Far East.
This event will require a lot of work to make it run smoothly, so stay tuned for announcements as to how you can help out!
KICY/Offerfest RSVP
Due to the expense involved in shipping fresh Alaskan salmon to the Lower 48, as well as the amount of time required to prepare and cook the meal, the folks at KICY would like an approximate head count of how many people to expect for our Offerfest meal on October 6, which also functions as a KICY fundraising event. Therefore, we are asking everyone to please RSVP for the dinner. You can do so online here: https://forms.gle/xgRbozy4Y7sKDmwo9 . You can also RSVP via the sign-up sheet in the narthex, or by contacting the church office at 773-784-7091 or office@ravenscov.org.
Faith Forum
Faith Forum, Ravenswood Covenant’s adult Christian education class, meets at the Sunday School hour (10:00 am) during the school year. This year’s edition of Faith Forum will feature a series of teachers who will each explore a topic over a one-month period. The first teacher is LeRoy Carlson, who is leading a series in September on the theology of worship, focusing upon the Covenant Book of Worship, the worship handbook used by the Covenant’s pastors, chaplains, and worship leaders.
Treats and coffee are provided each week. Join us in the upstairs lounge every Sunday in Faith Forum!
Dog walker wanted
Joanna Bao, a friend of Ravenswood Covenant, has a daughter named Joy who lives near the church. Joy is currently in her residency as a physician and thus has only a limited amount of time available to walk and care for her dog, Gallagher. If you would like to volunteer to help with her dog-walking responsibilities, please contact the church office.
KICY salmon dinner and Offerfest
We are handling Offerfest a little differently this fall. Offerfest is our church’s oldest tradition, a Sunday set aside every fall to specifically thank God for His provision in our life together by dedicating the entire morning offering that day to special projects, with the total amount announced at a sumptuous meal that follows that Sunday’s worship service. Typically, Offerfest is a stand-alone event held on the first Sunday of November, but this year it will instead be held on Sunday, October 6 in conjunction with a KICY fundraiser salmon dinner.
This event will require a lot of work to make it run smoothly, so stay tuned for announcements as to how you can help out!
Confirmation class
We have begun a new Confirmation class this year. Confirmation is a two-year period of study in which middle-schoolers learn the story of the people of God as told in the Bible and in the history of the Christian Church; develop deeper understandings of faith, doctrine, commitment to God, and the meaning of Christianity; and begin to make the faith that has been taught to them their own. At the conclusion of the second year of Confirmation, students are confirmed in their personal faith in Jesus Christ in worship after giving their testimonies. They are then given the opportunity to join our church as fully-fledged members.
The Confirmation class meets on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm and on selected Sundays after worship as necessary. Please remember to pray regularly for our Confirmation students and for their teacher, Pastor Ryan, as they embark upon this very important phase of their faith journeys!
Church parking
Do you know someone who needs a place to park in the Ravenswood neighborhood? Ravenswood Covenant Church is currently leasing space in its parking lot. Parking is $60 per space per month for non-members, and is available for day/evening, overnight, or both. For more information, please contact the church office at 773-784-7091 or office@ravenscov.org.
Scripture reader sign-up
We’re now seeking people to read the scripture passages of the day in the worship service for the fall months. If you are willing to be a scripture reader in September, October, or November, 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. Feel free to sign up for more than one Sunday if you like.
Pastor Ryan’s office hours
Pastor Ryan’s office hours at church are typically Tuesday thru Friday from 10:00 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. IN two weeks (Thursday, September 26) we will begin studying the Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs. 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 have Zoom available 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
Scripture for next Sunday
Genesis 37:5-11
Genesis 37:1-4
Luke 6:35
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.