Worship for July 26, 2020

Welcome to the live stream of Church of the Holy Cross’s worship service for July 26th, 2020. Feel free to follow the service text by scrolling down, or you may download and print the service in PDF format below.

Worship for July 26, 2020
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Ringing of the Bell

Pre-Service Music                                                                   Kayleen Yuda

Welcome                                                                                 Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Prelude: Prelude and Fugue — Handel                                      Kayleen Yuda

Call to Worship: (based on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52)
Leader:        Jesus compared the reign of God to a mustard seed planted in the ground.
People:       Like the ohi’a of Hawai’i, the mustard grows from tiny seed to a mighty tree that astonishes our eyes.

Leader:        Jesus compared the reign of God to a treasure hidden in a field.
People:       Are we wise enough to know the value of the treasure we have found?

Leader:        Jesus compared the reign of God to a pearl of great price.
People:       May we be wise enough to set aside the things of little worth in life, and free of their distractions, accept the gift of God.

Leader:        Come, let us worship!

Please join me in the Invocation: (based on Psalm 119:129-136)
Our souls rejoice in your gracious will, O God. Your words give light to our minds; your guidance gives understanding to us all. Like a runner in a race, we inhale with eager need the inspiring breath of your direction. Keep us steady according to your promises. Help us keep temptation and sin from dominating our lives. May human oppression never keep us from your precepts. Let your face shine upon us in our worship and in all our days. Amen.

Hymn Duet with Movement: #485 O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
by George Matheson and Albert L. Peace
Performed by Doug Albertson and Eric Anderson
Movement let by Genie Phillips

Scripture: Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Story/Sermon: My Favorite Scripture                             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Movement Prayer and Pastoral Prayer                       Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Lord’s Prayer in unison:

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Instrumental Anthem: Bagatelle in G minor op. 119 no. 1 by Ludwig van Beethoven    
                                                                                                Mace Peng

                                                    Call to Offering—Lay Reader:
There are so many things in life that hide the presence of God. Fear and anxiety will do it. So will rage and anger. Oppression and suffering may obscure the God who aches at both. Take this moment to reach out to God once more, this time through the offering of a gift. Whether you placed your gift in the calabash here in the church sanctuary, or whether you mail a check to Church of the Holy Cross at the address on the screen, or whether you use online giving at holycrosshilo.com/donate, may you experience both the closeness of God and the thanks of God. May your heart be blessed in generosity.

Please join me in the Prayer of Dedication:  
We thank you, God, for the witness of those who felt close to you. We thank you, God, for the experiences in our own lives when we have deeply felt your love and care. Accept, O God, the offerings we make now. Through them, may others know your grace and compassion in this ministry of sharing. Amen.

Anthem and Movement: Surely No One Can Be Safer–Lina Sandell          
                                                                                                Eric Anderson
                                                                                                 Doug Albertson
                                                                                                Movement led by Genie Phillips

Announcements                                                                 Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                                       Rev. Eric S. Anderson                                                                                                   

Postlude: Joyous Dialogue – arr. By Jordan                              Kayleen Yuda

At the organist’s request, please refrain from applause after the Postlude.

Minister: Rev. Eric S. Anderson
Moderator: Bob Smith

Ushers: Woody Kita, Carolyn Lum-Bellem, Anne Sadayasu, Jennifer Tanouye, Stefan Tanouye, Connie Yoshiyama
Lay Reader: Nalyn Ang
Chapel Decorations: Laura Ota
Choir Accompanist: Kanako Okita

Choir Director: Doug Albertson
Organist: Kayleen Yuda
Hand Bell Director: Anna Kennedy
Childcare Coordinator: Evonne Shioshita
Projected Imagery: Sue Smith
Web Master: Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Office Manager: P. “Momi” Lyman

This week at the Church of the Holy Cross

• The Gathering Place –Mondays: Pickleball at 12 noon in the Building of Faith.
• Bible Study with Pastor Eric: Tuesdays, 3:00 pm via Zoom
• On Line Song — Wednesdays, 11:00 am on line
• Community Concert — 2^nd & 4^th Fridays, 6:00 pm on line