The Worship of God

11:00AM March 8, 2015 Sanctuary

Prelude Ellen Cheek

Welcome and Announcements Doug Thompson

Lenten Meditation Mikhail Kristhal, Piano The Lenten Candle “The Light of the World”* Light. Without it, we stumble blindly in the darkness. With it, everything is illuminated and clear. Sometimes the light is dim. Sometimes it flickers, ready to die. But as long as we have it to guide our path, we are safe. Christ is called the Light of the World, and we, as His Followers, are instructed to walk in the light, as He is in the light.

You are the light of the world! Let your light shine before men.

Jesus was living out his last days, yet his light never wavered. It we were in his place, knowing death awaited us soon, would we still reflect our light? Would our brightness shine against the darkness of the world?

And what about now? Does our faith – our light – burn brightly? Or does it flicker uncertainly in the tumult of our daily lives? Would we rather stay in the darkness after the candles are extinguished, or do we yearn for the light?

For it is the light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Let us gather strength from the example of Jesus as he faced the darkness of his own death.

Anthem “Give Me Jesus”* Moses Hogan Solo-Rachel Weaver In the morning, when I rise, in the morning, when I rise, in the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus. Give me Jesus, give me Jesus, you can have all this world, but give me Jesus. When I am alone, when I am alone, when I am alone, give me Jesus. Give me Jesus, give me Jesus, you can have all this world, but give me Jesus. When I come to die, when I come to die, when I come to die, give me Jesus. Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, you can have all this world, you can have all this world, you can have all this world, but give me Jesus.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Hymn of the Cross #208 “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed?” Martyrdom

Bringing Our Gifts Pastor: The Lord has commanded us to give an offering to God, for he is our Creator and is faithful to us both day and night. Therefore, whoever has received abundant gifts from God, let them give their offerings with generous hearts. People: God has been faithful unto us. As for me and my house, we will be faithful in keeping the Lord’s command to bring offerings of the best that we have.

Offertory “BWV590:111” by J.S.Bach Mikhail Kristhal, piano

Doxology a member of our deaf class leads in the signing. German melody

Praise God from whom all blessing flow, Praise Him, all creatures here below. O praise Him, Alleluia! Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. O praise Him, O praise Him. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayer of Dedication, Jean Atwater, Deacon Preschool children are dismissed following the Prayer of Dedication

Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 40: 12-31 Zac Campbell

Reader: This is the word of God. People: Thanks be to God!

Sermon “God’s Understanding”

Hymn of Response #183 “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” St.Christopher Benediction

Postlude *Contemporary Drama Service, The Lenten Candles, by Paul Dyck *Give Me Jesus, written by Moses Hogan CCLI#2006738

Mount Carmel Mission Statement The mission of Mount Carmel Baptist Church is to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, worship Him, proclaim His gospel, minister to those in need in His name, and commit ourselves to

grow as Christians.

Mount Carmel Baptist Church 2016 Mt. Carmel Church Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

March 8, 2015