Sunday, February 2, 2025
Sunday, February 2nd
Worship live on Sundays in person at 11:00 am,
or on YouTube at noon.
PRELUDE
“Lord of the Dance”
led by Leslie and Dana
WELCOME, GREETING, AND COMMUNITY LIFE
CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 92
Leader: It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to Your name, O Most High,
People: To proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night.
Leader: For You make me glad by Your deeds,
People: I sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
PRAYER
Great God, You have been generous and marvelously kind. Give us such wonder, love, and gratitude that we may sing
praises to You and joyfully honor Your name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
* OH, THE SUN’S COMIN’ UP
Oh, the sun’s comin’ up
(Oh, the sun’s comin’ up)
On a bright new day
(On a bright new day)
And you maybe wonder why
(And you maybe wonder why)
I’m feelin’ this way
(I’m feelin’ this way)
Oh, I’m feelin’ good
(Oh, I’m feelin’ good)
I’m feelin’ alright
(I’m feelin’ alright)
ALL: ‘Cause the Lord took my life
And He filled me with his ever-loving light;
Ever-loving light:
Oh, the Lord took my life and He filled me
With His ever-loving light.
* HOLY FOREVER
A thousand generations falling down in worship,
To sing the song of ages to the Lamb.
And all who’ve gone before us, and all who will
believe,
Will sing the song of ages to the Lamb.
pre-chorus
Your name is the highest.
Your name is the greatest.
Your name stands above them all.
All thrones and dominions,
All powers and positions;
Your name stands above them all.
chorus
And the angels cry, “Holy,”
All creation cries, “Holy.”
You are lifted high,
Holy forever.
And if you’ve been forgiven, and if you’ve been
redeemed
Sing the song forever to the Lamb.
If you walk in freedom, and if you bear His
name,
Sing the song forever to the Lamb.
We’ll sing the song forever and amen.
Chris Tomlin / Brian Johnson / Jason Ingram / Jenn Johnson / Phil Wickham © S.D.G. Publishing (BMI), Capitol CMG Paragon (BMI) (admin. at CapitolCMG Publishing,.com) / Phil Wickham Music (BMI), Simply Global Songs (BMI), My Magnolia Music (BMI), Be Essential Songs (BMI) (admin. at EssentialMusicPublishing.com) / Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP) (admin. by Bethel Music) CCLI #7201044
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Colleen Carlson
Genesis 2:1-3
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Colleen Carlson
Hebrews 4:9-13
So then, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God, for those who enter God’s rest also rest from their labors as God did from His. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.
Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before Him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the One to whom we must render an account.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
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
Luke 6:1-11
Getting Fed and Getting Healthy
Pastor Ryan
* LORD OF THE DANCE
I danced in the morning
When the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon
And the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven
And I danced on the earth:
At Bethlehem I had my birth.
chorus
Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the dance, said He,
And I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said He.
I danced for the scribe
And the Pharisee,
But they would not dance
And they wouldn’t follow Me;
I danced for the fishermen,
For James and John;
They came with Me
And the dance went on:
chorus
I danced on the Sabbath
And I cured the lame:
The holy people said
It was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped
And they hung Me on high,
And they left Me there on a cross to die:
chorus
I danced on a Friday
When the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance
With the devil on your back.
They buried My body
And they thought I’d gone;
But I am the dance, and I still go on:
chorus
They cut me down
And I leapt up high;
I am the life
That’ll never, never die.
I’ll live in you
If you’ll live in Me:
I am the Lord of the dance, said He.
chorus
Words: Sydney Carter (1915-2004), © 1963, Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, (admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188.) All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music (LORD OF THE DANCE): Shaker melody; adapted by Sydney Carter (1915-2004), © 1963, Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, (admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188). All rights reserved. Used by permission
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We continue to pray for: the Anderson family; Nikolas Arden; the Binag family; Messian Burgos; Cathy Cassidy; Frank Coszach; Vira Coszach; Art & Rosa Hamilton; Trevor Hanks; Mary McKirchy; Maria Paulette; Mary Smith; Dorinne Tamras; Lauren Vilardo; Lydia Warrens; and the Westlind family
Ministries & Mission: Johnna Hayward-Muniz & Fabio Muniz, serving in France; 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
“Shine, Jesus, Shine”
Graham Kendrick
led by Leslie 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.
CALL TO COMMUNION
The Gospels tell us that on the first day of the week, the day our Lord rose from the dead, He appeared to some of His disciples and was made known to them in the breaking of bread. It is true for us as well: Christ is made known to us as we break this bread and drink this cup together.
WORDS OF PREPARATION
As we prepare to come to the Lord’s Table, we reflect on our reasons for thanksgiving and faith, and our need for forgiveness and love. In this time of silence, we remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who called us to share this meal together; and we thoughtfully examine the state of our faithfulness and our unity with His body.
TIME OF SILENCE
INVITATION
Sisters and brothers, this is food for the journey to which God has called us. Let our lives be nourished by the Lord himself as we celebrate together at this table.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
The apostle Paul tells us that on the night on which Jesus was betrayed, He took bread, and when He had given thanks He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Paul goes on to tell us that in the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Paul then reminds us that whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the death of Jesus until He comes again.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BREAD AND THE CUP
This is the Lord’s Table. It is Jesus Himself who invites you to this meal. The table is open to all who believe and have professed faith in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, blest forever! To You be praise and honor for giving Yourself, shedding Your blood, and letting Your body be broken in death for our sake, so that we might have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Bless, O God, this bread which we together eat, and the cup which we together drink. Let us through this blest bread and this blest cup become partakers of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Unite us with one another and with all your saints in heaven and on earth. Consecrate us, body and soul, to be a living, acceptable offering to You, so that in word and deed we may continually praise and glorify Your holy name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.”
SHARING OF BREAD AND CUP
SONG DURING COMMUNION
“Revelation Song”
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Holy holy is He
Sing a new song to Him Who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat
chorus
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of kings
You are my ev’rything
And I will adore You
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory
And power be to You the only wise King
Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power, breath, and living
water
Such a marv’lous mystery, yeah
Jennie Lee Riddle © 2004 Gateway Create Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music)
SENDING FROM COMMUNION
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the “Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.”
* MY FRIENDS, MAY YOU GROW IN GRACE
My friends, may you grow in grace,
And in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
My friends, may you grow in grace,
And in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory, now and forever,
Now and forever, amen.
To God be the glory, now and forever,
Now and forever, amen.
L: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
Variations on Von Himmel Hoch
melody attributed to Martin Luther
led by Cynthia
please remain seated during the postlude
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.
Benevolence offering
The first Sunday of the month at Ravenswood Covenant is Benevolence Sunday. We take a retiring offering to help support those in need in our church and local community with things such as rent, medical expenses, transportation costs, etc. You can give to the benevolence offering in the wooden box in the narthex.
Sunday School
Our Sunday School classes are back in session. Sunday School meets at 10:00 am every Sunday, and all parents are encouraged to bring their children here to learn more about God and the Christian faith.
Thursday evening Bible study
The weekly Bible study meets every Thursday at 7:00 pm. We have recently begun studying the Gospel of Luke, to be followed by its sequel, the Acts of the Apostles. The Bible study meets in the upstairs lounge and via Zoom. For more information, please contact Gregory Sager in the church office at (773) 784-7091 or office@ravenscov.org.
Lake County Symphony Orchestra concert
The Lake County Symphony Orchestra, featuring our own Cynthia Arden, along with the Northern Illinois University Choirs and Cor Cantiamo, will present Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as part of the LCSO’s “Timeless Masters” series on Sunday, February 16 at 4:00 pm at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St. in Grayslake. For more information, go to https://www.lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com/
2024 annual report
Copies of the church’s 2024 annual report are available in the narthex. Please take one!
Pastor Ryan’s surgery
Please pray for Pastor Ryan as he has knee surgery Tuesday, February 4. Pastor Ryan will be taking time off work to recover at home until Tuesday, February 18. If you have any concerns that require pastoral care during his convalescence, please call the church office and we will provide care.
Sara Rosado
Visitation for Sara Rosado will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm this Friday, February 7, at Drake & Sons Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Ave. A brief memorial service for Sara will be held there at
5:00 pm.
Furniture needed
Carla, a former attender of Ravenswood Covenant and participant as both a helper and a vendor in the farmers market, is emerging from a time spent in shelter care as a victim of domestic violence. She is now enrolled in school, and she and her daughter have moved into a new apartment in our neighborhood. They are interested in reconnecting to our church. They do, however, have some material needs in terms of a lack of furniture. If you or someone you know has spare items that you or they can donate, please contact Gregory in the church office, or you can call Carla directly at 773-618-6836. She and her daughter need:
* mattress and full-size bed frame for Carla
* mattress and twin-size bed frame for her daughter
* small kitchen table
* small couch
* desk for her daughter to do her homework
* desk lamp
Thanks!
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. Our teacher for February is Boaz Johnson.
Treats and coffee are provided each week. Join us in the upstairs lounge every Sunday in Faith Forum!
Scripture reader sign-up
We’re seeking people to read the scripture passages of the day in the worship service for the winter months. If you are willing to be a scripture reader this winter, 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 so desire.
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.
Covenant Home Altar
The winter issue of the Covenant Home Altar, a daily prayer journal published by our denomination and written by Covenanters from across the country, is available for free in the narthex.
Ravenswood Community Winter Market
Come visit Ravenswood’s new off-season indoor market, called Ravenswood Community Winter Market. It’s held at All Saints Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1757 W. Wilson Ave., on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm! Our favorite farmer, John Patyk, will be there with fresh eggs, mushrooms, and meats! Nena’s Sweet Treats have macarons and fresh baked sourdough bread. Pride Coffee Roasters will he have fresh roasted coffee. Hilary’s Cookies will have cookies, English-style scones, cakes, and savory pies. The full vendor list includes: Monarch Beauty Farm, Lincoln Ice Cream Company (Hot Cocoa Bombs), DFG Designs & The Alchemy Kitchen, Cathie’s K9 Treats, EE Mercantile Co, Nonie’s Bees, Tamales Express, Gather Good Food, and a few more to come! Live music by Bryan Harrell and a special kids table run by Ravenswood Covenant Church!
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
Luke 7:1-17
Ruth
Psalm 146:5-10
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.