Author: holycrosshilo

Thank you for joining us for this live stream (or recording, as the case may be) of Sunday worship. May it bless you! You may need to click “Play” to launch the stream, which will be live around 9:50 AM.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, May 10, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: Under His Wings       Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome               Rev. Eric S. Anderson

*Call to Worship (based on 1 Peter 3:13-22)                  Mace Peng

Leader:   Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?
People:  Though it seems wrong, some will bring harm to those who do right.

Leader:   Do not fear what they fear, and do not let them intimidate you.
People:  In our hearts we sanctify Christ as our leader and ruler.

Leader:   Be ready to defend your faith and account for the hope that is in you.
People:  It is better to suffer for doing good than to rejoice in doing evil.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #473: Blessed Assurance (v. 1 – 3)

*Invocation (based on Psalm 66:8-20)       Mace Peng

You have tested us, O God, as silver is tried, with heat and stress. We went through fire and through water, and you have brought us to this place of space and safety. Now we come to your house with celebration and song, and we thank you that you have heard the words of our prayer and preserved us in your steadfast love. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth                  Ramona Witt, Soprano                                                                                    Muftiah Martin, Violin
Bob Grove, Continuo

Time with the Children          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:               Mace Peng

Acts 17:22-31
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely spiritual you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all peoples to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps fumble about for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we, too, are his offspring.’

“Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

John 14:15-21
“If you love me, you will keepmy commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me, and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

Sermon: Connections                Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in 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 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. Amen.

* Hymn #454: Lord, I Want to Be a Christian (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering    Mace Peng

Where do you connect with God? In prayer? In Bible reading? In worship? We invite you now to connect with God is sharing, for God’s grace has been poured out to us without limit. In the same way we can give as well. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Simple Gifts              Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost – Amen

*Offertory Prayer                      Mace Peng

God, you have given us life. You have given us beauty. You have given us love. You have given us forgiveness. You promise us eternal life. We cannot give so much, but what we have given, please receive in Jesus’ name. Amen.

* Hymn #531: God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak (v. 1 – 4)

Please be seated

Announcements Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: All Hail the Power   Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

Under His Wings #1030747
Ira David Sankey, Robert J Hughes
Tune: © 1970 Lorenz Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Blessed Assurance
Text by Fanny Crosby, 1873
Tune ASSURANCE by Phoebe P. Knapp, 1873
Public Domain

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
Text by Jessie Brown Pounds
Public Domain

Lord, I Want To Be a Christian
Text: African-American spiritual
Public Domain
Tune I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN, African-American spiritual
Arr. by Joyce Finch Johnson, 1992
© The Pilgrim Press
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Simple Gifts
Contributors: Gregg Sewell

God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak
Text by Frances Ridley Havergal, 1872
Tune CANONBURY by Robert Schumann, 1872
Public Domain

All Hail the Power #64228
Type: Words and Music
Language: English
Contributors: Lani Smith
Text: © 1978, Lorenz Publishing Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, May 10 – Council meeting after Worship Service in the Lounge
Saturday, May 16, 8:30 a.m. – Service Day
Sunday, May 24 – Recognition of Graduates during Worship Service.
If you know of a graduate, please let Gloria Kobayashi know as soon as possible.

Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – Holy Cross Singers Rehearsal in the Lounge
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – One Song from Church of the Holy Cross streamed live
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. – Bible Study in person, in Pastor’s Study or via Zoom
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – Bell Choir Rehearsal in the Building of Faith Meeting Room
Interested in pickleball? Contact Connie at 808-936-7534 or Ruth at rnduponte07@gmail.com

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

The United Church of Christ, Pohnpei – Sanctuary, 12 noon
            Rev. Bensis Henry
Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa – Sanctuary, 2:00 p.m.
            Rev. Sitau Ofoia, Jr.
The Bedesta Church – Sanctuary, 4 p.m.   
Rev.  Edmes Edwin

Pastor          Rev. Eric S. Anderson
Moderator             Lorraine Davis
Vice Moderator Elwood Kita
Lay Reader       Mace Peng
Chapel Decorations   Chris and Jeribie Tanouye
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Music Director-Accompanist Bob Grove
Guest Musicians Ramona Witt, Soprano
            Muftiah Martin, Violin
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy 
IYAA Choir Director Stuart Mori  
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Live Stream Director         Ruth Niino-DuPonte. Bob Smith 
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Bob Smith, Woody Kita,
            Mace Peng, Cindy Debus
Sound Engineer Ben Yamaki
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn
Office Manager Kahealani Mahone-Brooks

We welcome you to worship this day. Church of the Holy Cross seeks to help its members, friends, and visitors follow the guidance of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, encouraging all people to love one another according to the teachings of Jesus. We live and teach the faith, speak good news, minister to people near and far, and work with other households of faith and helping agencies to improve our community and our world. To support our ministries, please visit our Donate Page.

Thank you for joining us for this live stream (or recording, as the case may be) of Sunday worship. May it bless you! You may need to click “Play” to launch the stream, which will be live around 9:50 AM.

This service includes the celebration of Holy Communion. If you will be worshiping from home, please prepare and have ready some bread or other staple food and grape juice or another beverage for that portion of the service.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, May 3, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship May 3, 2026
Fifth Sunday of Easter

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:   Rev. Eric S. Anderson

*Call to Worship (based on 1 Peter 2:2-10)         Nalyn Ang

Leader:         Come to Christ, a living stone, rejected by mortals but precious in God’s sight.
People:        We come to be built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood in Christ.

Leader:         Scripture tells us that God lays a cornerstone chosen and precious.
People:        Those who believe in God will not be put to shame.

Leader:         Come be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.

People:        Once we were not a people; now we are God’s people. Once we had not received mercy; now we have received mercy.

All:                 Let us worship God!

* Hymn #72: Sakai no Tomo (Here, O God, Your Servants Gather (v. 1 Jpn, v. 1 – 4 Eng)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16)      Nalyn Ang

We seek refuge in you, O God. Let your righteousness deliver us. For your name’s sake lead us and guide us. Lead us away from the nets spread for us, for you are our refuge. We commit our spirits into your hands, O God, for you have redeemed us in accordance with your faithfulness. Let your face shine upon your servants as we come to worship you. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Christ Chok Ewe a Tufich   IYAA

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:   Nalyn Ang

Acts 7:55-60

But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him, and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

John 14:1-14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, but if you do not, then believe because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

Sermon: Rough Road     Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in 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 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. Amen.

Call to Offering                Nalyn Ang

Christian faith is rarely tested in ways that threaten life or well-being. It is regularly tested in gratitude and in generosity. Let us pass the test, and give toward the renewal of our souls. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Recitative for Flute            Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost – Amen

*Offertory Prayer          Nalyn Ang

We give because you invite us to give, O God. We give because you challenge us to give of ourselves as you have in Jesus. We give because this is one way of living as Jesus lived. Amen.

* Hymn #331: Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life (v. 1-3)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

Consecrating the Bread and Cup    

Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #347: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ (v. 1 – 3)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Rejoice, the Lord is King   Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Important Dates and Announcements

We welcome you to worship this day. Church of the Holy Cross seeks to help its members, friends, and visitors follow the guidance of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, encouraging all people to love one another according to the teachings of Jesus. We live and teach the faith, speak good news, minister to people near and far, and work with other households of faith and helping agencies to improve our community and our world. To support our ministries, please visit our Donate Page.

Thank you for joining us for this live stream (or recording, as the case may be) of Sunday worship. May it bless you! You may need to click “Play” to launch the stream, which will be live around 9:50 AM.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, April 19, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: All Creatures of God and King                  Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Psalm 23)                  John Narruhn

Leader:   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
People:  God makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.

Leader:   God restores my soul, leading me in the paths of righteousness.
People:  I may walk through the darkest valley but I fear no evil, for God is with me, comforting me.

Leader:   God invites me to a table, anoints my head with oil, and pours my cup to overflowing.

People:  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. This morning in God’s house we will rejoice and pray.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #70: God Is Here! As We Your People Meet (v. 1 – 4)

* Invocation (based on 1 Peter 2:19-25)               John Narruhn

Jesus committed no sin, yet he suffered, O God. He returned no abuse, made no threats. He trusted himself to you. May we display such trust and live for your righteousness. May we be gathered to you as a shepherd gathers the sheep, O Guardian of our souls. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Here I Am, Lord            Teresa Mondoy, Joanne Pocsidio, Genie Phillips

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 John Narruhn

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

John 10:1-10

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Sermon: No Stranger     Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in 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 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. Amen.

* Hymn #479: God Is My Shepherd (v. 1-5)

Call to Offering                John Narruhn

For the most part, sheep know who they can trust: the one who cares for them, protects them, and feeds them. God has been trustworthy for us. Let us be trustworthy for others. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Larghetto      Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost – Amen

* Offertory Prayer         John Narruhn

Accept these gifts, Good Shepherd, so that those who lack a safe place for body, mind, or soul may find one. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #506: What a Friend We Have in Jesus (v. 1 – 3)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Great God of Glory              Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

All Creatures of Our God and King
Michael O Springer
Permission granted by composer

God Is Here! As We Your People Meet
Text by Fred Pratt Green, 1978
© 1979 Hope Publishing Company
Tune ABBOT’S LEIGH by Cyril V. Taylor, 1941
© 1942, renewed 1970 Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Here I Am, Lord
Daniel L. Schutte
Arr. Lloyd Larson
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

God Is My Shepherd
Text from Scottish Psalter, 1650
Adapt. by Lavon Bayler, 1992
© 1992 the Pilgrim Press
Tune BROTHER JAMES’ AIR by James Leith Macbeth Bain
© Oxford University Press
Streamed by permission CCLI License #1595965

Larghetto
W. A. Mozart
Public Domain

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Text by Joseph Scrivens, 1855
Tune ERIE by Charles C. Converse, 1868
Public Domain

Great God of Glory
David Paxton
Tune: © 1985 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, May 1, 7:00 p.m.  – Big Island Singers Concert, Sanctuary
Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – Holy Cross Singers Rehearsal in the Lounge
Mondays, 11:30 a.m. — Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
                                                Ruth at rnduponte07@gmail.com to sign up
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – One Song from Church of the Holy Cross streamed live
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. – Bible Study in person, in Pastor’s Study or via Zoom
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – Bell Choir Rehearsal in the Building of Faith Meeting Room

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross
The United Church of Christ, Pohnpei – Sanctuary, 12 noon
            Rev. Bensis Henry
Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa – Sanctuary, 2:00 p.m.
            Rev. Sitau Ofoia, Jr.
The Bedesta Church – Sanctuary, 4 p.m.   
Rev.  Edmes Edwin

Pastor          Rev. Eric S. Anderson
Moderator             Lorraine Davis
Vice Moderator Elwood Kita
Lay Reader        John Narruhn
Chapel Decorations   Sally & Froilan Queja
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Music Director-Accompanist Bob Grove
Guest Vocalists Teresa Mondoy, Joanne Pocsidio
Hula performed by Genie Phillips
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy 
IYAA Choir Director Stuart Mori  
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Live Stream Director         Ruth Niino-DuPonte. Bob Smith 
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Bob Smith, Woody Kita,
            Mace Peng, Cindy Debus
Sound Engineer Ben Yamaki
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn

We welcome you to worship this day. Church of the Holy Cross seeks to help its members, friends, and visitors follow the guidance of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, encouraging all people to love one another according to the teachings of Jesus. We live and teach the faith, speak good news, minister to people near and far, and work with other households of faith and helping agencies to improve our community and our world. To support our ministries, please visit our Donate Page.

Thank you for joining us for this live stream (or recording, as the case may be) of Sunday worship. May it bless you! You may need to click “Play” to launch the stream, which will be live around 9:50 AM.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, April 19, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: Berceuse-James Denton                                                                                                                           Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                                                                                 Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 116:12-19)                                    Anne Sadayasu

Leader:         What shall we return to the LORD for all we have received?
People:        Let us lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD!

Leader:         Let us pay our vows to the LORD in the presence of all people.
People:        Let us declare that the LORD holds us in life and in death.

Leader:         Let us offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving in the presence of all people!
People:        Here in God’s house we will gather, sing, and pray.

All:                 Let us worship God!

* Hymn #255: Jesus, Sovereign, Savior (v. 1 – 3)

* Invocation (based on 1 Peter 1:17-23)                                            Anne Sadayasu

We know the futility of much of what we do, O God. We, like those around us, pursue comforts and perishable things. Even silver and gold will eventually succumb to time. Strengthen our trust and confidence in you today, O God, for in the resurrection of Jesus we see that there is life greater than what we have experienced or imagined. Make us new again in this time of worship. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: O Dearest Lord, Thy Sacred Head; Were You There Len Miyazano
Bob Grove
Eric Anderson

Time with the Children                                                             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Acts 2:14a, 36-41                                                                 Anne Sadayasu

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them,

“Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”

And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Luke 24:13-35

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,

and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.

While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them,

but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.

Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”

He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,

and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him.

But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.

Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.

Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.”

Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared!

Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”

Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on.

But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.

Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.

They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”

That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.

They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!”

Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Sermon: The Moment of Recognition                                               Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer                                                                              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

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 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. Amen.

* Hymn #343: Jesus Took the Bread (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                                                                                      Anne Sadayasu

We say that Jesus gave us his life, and he did. He gave us his life when he used it to teach and heal. He gave us his life when he died on the cross. He gave us his life when he rose and lived again. In response to such a gift, let us give as well. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Aria-Leonardo Vinci                                                               Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost – Amen

* Offertory Prayer                                                                              Anne Sadayasu

We rejoice in the life of Jesus given for us, O God. We honor that life with these gifts of our own, for the further life of the world. Amen.

* Hymn #253: Yours Is the Glory, Resurrected One! (v. 1 – 3 Eng.)

Please be seated

Announcements                                                                        Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                                               Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: March from Two Oratorios                                                   Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

Berceuse
James Denton
© 1985 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation (Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Jesus, Sovereign, Savior
Text by Patrick M. Kirkland
Public Domain
Tune KING’S WESTON by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1925
Public Domain

O Dearest Lord, Thy Sacred Head
Were You There
Arr. by David N. Johnson, 1975
© 1975 Augsburg Publishing House
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Jesus Took the Bread
Text by Ruth Duck, 1982
Tune NEW HOPE by Ruth Duck, 1982
Arr. by Randall Sensmeier, 1982
Copyright © 1992 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Aria
Contributors: George Blake, Leonardo Vinci
© 1986 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation (Admin. by Music Services)

Yours Is the Glory, Resurrected One!
Text by Edmond L. Budry, 1904
Trans. New Century Hymnal, 1993
© 1993 the Pilgrim Press
Tune JUDAS MACCABEUS by G. F. Handel, 1751
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

March from Occasional Oratorio
Instrumental|
Contributors: Janet Linker, G F Handel
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, April 19 – Board of Deacons Meeting after worship service

Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – Holy Cross Singers Rehearsal in the Lounge
Mondays, 11:30 a.m. — Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
                                                Ruth at rnduponte07@gmail.com to sign up
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – One Song from Church of the Holy Cross streamed live
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. – Bible Study in person, in Pastor’s Study or via Zoom
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – Bell Choir Rehearsal in the Building of Faith Meeting Room

We welcome you to worship this day. Church of the Holy Cross seeks to help its members, friends, and visitors follow the guidance of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, encouraging all people to love one another according to the teachings of Jesus. We live and teach the faith, speak good news, minister to people near and far, and work with other households of faith and helping agencies to improve our community and our world. To support our ministries, please visit our Donate Page.

Thank you for joining us for this live stream (or recording, as the case may be) of Sunday worship. May it bless you! You may need to click “Play” to launch the stream, which will be live around 9:50 AM.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, April 12, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Roach, Guest Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                                                                                                         Rev. Jonathan Roach

* Call to Worship (based on 1 Peter 1:3-9)                                                     Nina Buchanan

Leader:         Blessed be our God who has given us Jesus Christ!
People:        By God’s mercy, we have been born to a living hope in Christ’s resurrection.

Leader:         This is an unfading, imperishable inheritance kept in heaven for us,
People:        God’s protection through faith for a salvation beyond time.

Leader:         You have not seen Christ, yet you love him and believe in him.
People:        In this faith we raise our voices in indescribable, glorious joy!

All:     Let us worship God!

* Hymn #570: We Shall Overcome (v. 1 – 4)

* Please join me in the Invocation (based on Psalm an16)                                                                                                        Nina Buchanan

Protect us, O God, for we seek our refuge in you. Though we might seek help in other places, you alone are our chosen portion. You hold our souls. Therefore our hearts are glad and our bodies rejoice in your security. You show us the path of life, and we give thanks forevermore. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Concertino for Clarinette in B                            Mace Peng and Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children                                                                                   Rev. Jonathan Roach

Scripture:                                                                                                         Nina Buchanan

John 20:24-29

But Thomas (who was called the Twin^[a]), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Sermon: Deep Wounds                                                                                                         Rev. Jonathan Roach

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer                                                                                                          Rev. Jonathan Roach

Please join me in 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 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. Amen.

* Hymn #553: There Is a Balm in Gilead (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                                                                                                        Nina Buchanan

Do not doubt, but believe, said Jesus. One of the ways we live our faith is with generosity toward our church, our neighbors, and the strangers on the far side of the world. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Andante                                                                                                 Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost – Amen

* Offertory Prayer                                                                                                          Nina Buchanan

You have given us your Spirit, O God, before we even asked. You have also give us the freedom to question and even to doubt. Accept these gifts offered from our faith, and may our faith grow as these offerings do good in the world by your guidance and grace. Amen.

* Hymn #423: Great Is Your Faithfulness (v. 1 – 3)

Please be seated

Announcements                                                                                                         Rev. Jonathan Roach

Benediction                                                                                                         Rev. Jonathan Roach

Postlude: Elizabethan Postlude                                                                                                 Kayleen Yuda

                                                                           

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

We welcome you to worship this day. Church of the Holy Cross seeks to help its members, friends, and visitors follow the guidance of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, encouraging all people to love one another according to the teachings of Jesus. We live and teach the faith, speak good news, minister to people near and far, and work with other households of faith and helping agencies to improve our community and our world. To support our ministries, please visit our Donate Page.

Thank you for joining us for this live stream (or recording, as the case may be) of Sunday worship. May it bless you! You may need to click “Play” to launch the stream, which will be live around 9:50 AM.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, March 29, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Please note that audio and video of this service are being live streamed on the Internet and will be recorded. The right rear section of the sanctuary will not be captured by any cameras. Please be aware that in other sections you may be visible at times.

Prelude: All Glory, Laud, and Honor Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:   Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29)                        Cynthia Debus

Leader:         Give thanks to the LORD, whose goodness endures forever!
People:        With all the world we proclaim: God’s goodness endures forever!

Leader:         The builders rejected the stone, but God has made it the cornerstone,
People:        The power of the LORD brings marvels to our eyes.

Leader:         Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD!
People:        Let us make a festive procession with the green leaves of joy!

All:                 Let us worship God!

* Hymn #216: All Glory, Laud, and Honor (v. 1-3)

* Invocation (based on Isaiah 50:4-9)                    Cynthia Debus

We strive to speak as you have taught us, God, to sustain the weary with a word. We strive to hear the needs of our neighbors and appreciate the blessings of the wind. Though we have suffered, we have endured through your help. Your vindication is ever near. When you help us and forgive us, how can we be guilty? How can we be afraid? Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: This Day of Gladness           Bell Choir

Palm Sunday Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11                Cynthia Debus

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet:

“Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
    humble and mounted on a donkey,
        and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
    Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Parade of the Palms #213: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (v. 1-3)

Scripture:   Cynthia Debus

Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that wasin Christ Jesus,

who, though he existed in the form of God,
    did not regard equality with God
    as something to be grasped,
but emptied himself,
    taking the form of a slave,
    assuming human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a human,
    he humbled himself
    and became obedient to the point of death—
    even death on a cross.

Therefore God exalted him even more highly
    and gave him the name
    that is above every other name,
so that at the name given to Jesus
    every knee should bend,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
    that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Sermon: Help Us!            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in 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 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. Amen.

Call to Offering                Cynthia Debus

Jesus’ disciples searched for an animal for Jesus to ride, and somebody provided it. The people of Jerusalem searched for something to celebrate Jesus’ arrival, and they brought cloaks and branches to soften the way. Jesus brought himself. What will we bring? Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Sweet Meditation              Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost – Amen

* Offertory Prayer         Cynthia Debus

We celebrate your presence in the world and in our lives, O God, with these gifts we lay before you. Accept them, we pray, along with the praise of our hearts and souls. May we always be glad of our faith in you. Amen.

* Hymn #215: Ride On! Ride On in Majesty (v. 1 – 4)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Ride on in Triumph, O King                     Kayleen Yuda                                                     

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

We welcome you to worship this day. Church of the Holy Cross seeks to help its members, friends, and visitors follow the guidance of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, encouraging all people to love one another according to the teachings of Jesus. We live and teach the faith, speak good news, minister to people near and far, and work with other households of faith and helping agencies to improve our community and our world. To support our ministries, please visit our Donate Page.

Thank you for joining us for this live stream (or recording, as the case may be) of Sunday worship. May it bless you! You may need to click “Play” to launch the stream, which will be live around 9:50 AM.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, March 22, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: At the Cross     Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Romans 8:6-11)                  Stefan Tanouye

Leader:   You are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit.
People:  We are grateful that the Spirit of God has chosen to dwell in us.

Leader:   Though sin brings death in the body,
People:  The Spirit brings life in Christ.

Leader:   The Spirit of God will revive your mortal bodies in Christ.
People:  We are grateful that the Spirit of God has given us life!

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #456: More Love to You, O Christ (v. 1-3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 130)  Stefan Tanouye

Hear our voices, O God, for we cry to you from scary places. We fear your judgement, and we are grateful for your forgiveness. We wait for you and we hope for you more than those who yearn for the morning. We rejoice in your power to redeem, and we bless you for the forgiveness of our sins. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: I Wonder as I Wander         Jim Thompson

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Stefan Tanouye

Ezekiel 37:1-14

The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you and will cause flesh to come upon you and cover you with skin and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

So I prophesied as I had been commanded, and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves and bring you up from your graves, O my people, and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

John 11:1-45

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather, it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazaruswas ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarushad already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Many of the Jews, therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did believed in him.

Sermon: The One You Love is Ill        Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in 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 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. Amen.

* Hymn #207: Just as I Am (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Stefan Tanouye

There are things beyond our powers to influence or improve, and for these things we appeal to God. There are other things that we can affect and contribute to, and for these things we bring our offerings. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Comfort and Rest               Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost – Amen

* Offertory Prayer         Stefan Tanouye

Accept our gifts, O God, and set them to bless your people. May they find nourishment in body, mind, and spirit through the offerings we bring. Amen.

* Hymn #488: Be Still, My Soul (v. 1 – 3)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Song of Joy     Kayleen Yuda                                                                                                          

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

We welcome you to worship this day. Church of the Holy Cross seeks to help its members, friends, and visitors follow the guidance of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, encouraging all people to love one another according to the teachings of Jesus. We live and teach the faith, speak good news, minister to people near and far, and work with other households of faith and helping agencies to improve our community and our world. To support our ministries, please visit our Donate Page.

Thank you for joining us for this live stream (or recording, as the case may be) of Sunday worship. May it bless you! You may need to click “Play” to launch the stream, which will be live around 9:50 AM.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, March 15, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared                                                                                                 Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                                                                                                 Jennifer Tanouye

* Call to Worship (based on Psalm 23)                                                                                                                

Leader:         Because the LORD is my shepherd, I live without fear.
People:        I rest and I move in beautiful places, restored in soul.

Leader:         I do not fear the shadowy places, for God’s protection covers me.
People:        My table is laid in joy, my life is crowned in power.

Leader:         Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
People:        God will be with me in my home here and my home to come forever.

All:     Let us worship God!

* Hymn #248: Such Perfect Love My Shepherd Shows (v. 1-6)

* Invocation (based on John 9:1-41)                                                                                                 Jennifer Tanouye

So often we connect sin with suffering, O God, as if the world brought retribution for each person’s wrongs. We know better. May we refrain from judging others in their sorrows, and may we have your grace when aching from our troubles. Bring your healing to your people, body, mind, and soul, so we might show your gracious care to all around. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Alleluia                                                                                      Holy Cross Singers

Time with the Children                                                               Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                                                                                                  Jennifer Tanouye

1 Samuel 16:1-13

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do, and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably. I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely his anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him, for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

Ephesians 5:8-14

…For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light^[a] is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly, but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Sleeper, awake!
    Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Sermon: Not Any of These                                                                Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer                                                                                Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in 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 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

* Hymn #446: Jesus, Still Lead On (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                                                                                 Jennifer Tanouye

We have not all been summoned to lead nations. We have not all been summoned to withdraw from the world in prayer. We have all been summoned to live out our lives as faithfully as we can, given what we understand of God’s call. May Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Father, We Praise Thee                                                       Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost – Amen

* Offertory Prayer                                                                            Jennifer Tanouye

We thank you, O God, for summoning us to be your people and for guiding us in wisdom and truth. Accept these gifts extended from your wisdom and your truth, and may they display your loving glory. Amen.

* Hymn #547: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (v. 1 – 5)

Please be seated

Announcements                                                                              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                                                    Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Be Thou Exalted                                                                           Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

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We welcome you to worship this day. Church of the Holy Cross seeks to help its members, friends, and visitors follow the guidance of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, encouraging all people to love one another according to the teachings of Jesus. We live and teach the faith, speak good news, minister to people near and far, and work with other households of faith and helping agencies to improve our community and our world. To support our ministries, please visit our Donate Page.