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, August 16, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Psalm 133)                Stefan Tanouye

Leader:   How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.
People:  So the Psalmist wrote, and so we have found when our families live in love.

Leader:   The Scriptures are full of times when kindred lived in conflict.
People:  To our sorrow, we have seen the same in our families, too.

Leader:   Let us find the way to the blessings of families united in love.
People:  We worship the God who calls us together and bathes us in the waters of community.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #179: We Yearn, O Christ, for Wholeness (v. 1 – 3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 67)    Stefan Tanouye

We pray that all the peoples praise you, O God, that the world resounds with songs of joy that ring musically in your ears. You have given us the increase of earth and the beauty of creation, and these alone inspire our praise – but bless us also in this time of worship that we might join and amplify the song of a world united in harmony. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Embrace My Way and Cross                     Holy Cross Singers

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Stefan Tanouye

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

Thus says the Lord:
    Maintain justice, and do what is right,
for soon my salvation will come
    and my deliverance be revealed.

And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
    to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
    and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath and do not profane it
    and hold fast my covenant—
these I will bring to my holy mountain
    and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
    will be accepted on my altar,
for my house shall be called a house of prayer
    for all peoples.
Thus says the Lord God,
    who gathers the outcasts of Israel:
I will gather others to them
    besides those already gathered.

Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment.

Sermon: Great Gathering                     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 #398: Shadow and Substance (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Stefan Tanouye

How do we make this a holy place where people may rejoice in a house of prayer? By maintaining justice, by doing what is right, and by welcoming all who seek God’s blessings with warmth and with love. In our offerings we pool our resources so that we can extend God’s love together. 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: Rondeau        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 these gifts we pray, O God. You have given us everything of which we’re aware and even more. Help us to share these blessings with those around us, and to welcome them into this house of prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #388: Help Us Accept Each Other (v. 1 – 4)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Double Chorus                     Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, August 16 – Church Picnic after Worship Service
Saturday, August 22 – Service Day, 8:30 – 11:30 AM – come and help spruce up our church campus
Saturday, September 19 – Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Lili`uokalani Gardens, registration at 7:30 AM; walk or donate a pledge to someone walking on behalf of our church (contact Nina or Anne)

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 (see the link in our e-newsletter The Weekly Chime)
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

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, August 9, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Prelude: Siciliano            Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                           Kahu Pat Dunham

* Call to Worship (based on Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45)                  Lorraine Davis

Leader:   Give thanks to the LORD, call on God’s name.
People:  We come to sing God’s praises and tell of God’s wonderful works.

Leader:   Seek the strength of the LORD; seek the presence of God.
People:  We come to remember the wonderful works, the miracles and judgements of the LORD.

Leader:   Abraham and Sarah, Joseph and his brothers knew the saving grace of God.
People:  We worship the One who blessed their lives.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #72: Sekai no Tomo (v. 1 Japanese, v. 1 – 4 Eng.)

* Invocation (based on 1 Kings 19:9-18)                  Lorraine Davis

Long ago a prophet came to you, O God, expecting you to thunder your will in earthquake, wind, and fire – and you addressed him in a sound of sheer silence. We ask you to move our spirits in worship today, O God, in such as way that we recognize you, respond to you, and praise you. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem IYAA

Time with the Children                      Gloria Kobayashi

Scripture                           Lorraine Davis

Psalm 85:8-13

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
    for he will speak peace to his people,
    to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
    that his glory may dwell in our land.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
    righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
    and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,
    and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him
    and will make a path for his steps.

Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Sermon: Step Out of the Boat: Trusting Christ in the Storm      Kahu Pat Dunham

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Kahu Pat Dunham

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 #51: O Sing a Song of Bethlehem (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Lorraine Davis

Faith can challenge us. Sometimes it feels exactly like walking on a stormy sea. Even our gifts may stretch our faith beyond our comfort. Bring your offering today with a commitment to step out in faith and discover new wonders of discipleship. 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: Fughetta        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         Lorraine Davis

Receive these gifts, O God, from our humility and our commitment. Our love for you is great, but sometimes our courage is small. We bring this offering in faith that you will increase the good it does. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #497: Guide My Feet (v. 1 – 4)

Please be seated

Announcements             Kahu Pat Dunham

Benediction                      Kahu Pat Dunham

Postlude: March in D     Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

Sekai no Tomo (Here, O God, Your Servants Gather)
Text by Tokuo Yamaguchi, 1958
Trans. by Everett M. Stowe, 1958
© 1958 United Methodist Publishing House/Abingdon Press
Tune TOKYO Japanese Gagaku mode
Arr. by Isao Kozumi, 1958
© 2016 Augsburg Fortress
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

O Sing a Song of Bethlehem
Text by Louis F. Benson, 1899
Tune KINGSFOLD trad. English melody
Harm. by Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1906
© 1906, Oxford University Press
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Fughetta
Gottlieb Muffat
Public Domain

Guide My Feet
African-American spiritual
Arr. by Joyce Finch Johnson, 1992
© 1992, Pilgrim Press & Joyce Finch Johnson
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

March in D
Contributors: G F Handel
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, August 9 – Church Council meeting in the Lounge
Sunday, August 16 – Church Picnic after Worship Service
Saturday, August 22 – Service Day, 8:30 – 11:30 AM – come and help spruce up our church campus
Saturday, September 19 – Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Lili`uokalani Gardens, registration at 7:30 AM; walk or donate a pledge to someone walking on behalf of our church (contact Nina or Anne)

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
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
Guest Pastor Kahu Pat Dunham
Moderator             Lorraine Davis
Vice Moderator Elwood Kita
Lay Reader     Lorraine Davis
Chapel Decorations  Barbara Iwami and Bill & Nancy Chen
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Music Director-Accompanist Bob Grove
Hand Bell Director        Evan Montemayor 
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, August 2, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship August 2, 2026
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:   Rev. Jonathan Roach

* Call to Worship (based on Isaiah 55:1-5)         John Narruhn

Leader:   Hear, everyone who thirsts; come to the waters, and be refreshed.
People:  We come this day for our thirsty souls to be renewed.

Leader:   Whether you have money or not, come buy and eat!
People:  The LORD has promised to meet our needs in body and soul.

Leader:   Why would anyone spend their earnings on what does not satisfy?
People:  We come this day to God, the source of life and light.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #475: God’s Eye Is on the Sparrow (v. 1 – 3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 17:1-7, 15)            John Narruhn

Hear a just cause, O LORD. Attend to the cries of our need and the cries of others who long for justice and long for peace. Bring your vindication and your steadfast love. We shall be satisfied to behold your face in righteousness, as we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: One Bread One Body            Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children                      Rev. Jonathan Roach

Scripture:   John Narruhn

Genesis 8:6-12

At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent out the raven, and it went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. Then he sent out the dove from him to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground, but the dove found no place to set its foot, and it returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took it and brought it into the ark with him. He waited another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark, and the dove came back to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. Then he waited another seven days and sent out the dove, and it did not return to him anymore.

John 1:29-34

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.”

Sermon: On the Wings of a Dove       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.

Call to Offering                John Narruhn

The wings of doves have brought signs of salvation to those who sought for assurance in the midst of difficulty. Through our gifts, may we be the doves who bring hope to those who struggle to nourish their bodies and their 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: I Need Thee Every Hour  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

O giver of all that is good, accept what we offer here. With it we bring our desire to aid our companions on life’s journey, and we bring our deep love for you. Amen.

* Hymn #562: Take My Gifts (v. 1-3)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

Consecrating the Bread and Cup    

Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #282: Every Time I Feel the Spirit (v. 1 – 2)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Jonathan Roach

Benediction                      Rev. Jonathan Roach

Postlude: Toccata: Rejoice Always   Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Important Dates and Announcements

Today, August 2 – Board of Trustees meeting after Worship service in the Lounge.
August 16 – Church Picnic after Worship Service
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – One Song from Church of the Holy Cross streamed live (canceled this week)
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. – Bible Study in person, in Pastor’s Study or via Zoom (see The Weekly Chime for Zoom meeting link.) (canceled this week)

Pickleball Lessons – Contact Connie 808-936-7534 or Ruth at rnduponte07@gmail.com to sign up

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, July 26, 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: Of All the Spirits Gifts to Me                      Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

*Call to Worship (based on Psalm 105:1-11, 45)                  Nina Buchanan

Leader:   Give thanks to the LORD, call on God’s name and speak of God among the people.
People:  We will sing to God, raise praises, and describe God’s wonderful works.

Leader:   Glory in God’s holy name, and let your hearts rejoice.
People:  We seek the LORD’s strength and presence at all times.

Leader:   This is the LORD our God, whose judgements extend over the earth.
People:  God honors the covenants of ages past, the word that has commanded generations.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #540: We Plant a Grain of Mustard Seed (v. 1 – 4)

* Invocation (based on 1 Kings 3:5-12)                  Nina Buchanan

Solomon might have asked you, O God, for power and riches. Instead, he asked for wisdom and judgement. We too ask for wisdom. We too ask for truth. May we be able to discern between good and evil, right and wrong, timely and untimely. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Spirit in the Sky                     Katie Bradshaw

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Nina Buchanan

Romans 8:26-39

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son but gave him up for all of us, how will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all day long;
    we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Sermon: It’s Bigger Than You Think 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 #487: Surely No One Can Be Safer (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Nina Buchanan

We have received the gift of life, which is everything. We have received the gift of God’s love, which is more than everything. Let us share that love with others of God’s image.  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: A Sound of Bells                  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

O God who has given everything, receive and accept these offerings of your people. May they, by your power, extend our love magnified by yours to our neighbors and all the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #551: Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior (v. 1 – 4)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Jubilant Ringing                   Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

Sunday, August 16 – Church Picnic after Worship Service

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
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

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, July 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

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Genesis 28:10-19)  Peter Braun

Leader:   What are our dreams when the night is long and the pillow hard?
People:  We may dream of a softer sleeping place, or we might dream of the gates of heaven.

Leader:   From his rocky bed Jacob dreamed of a stairway to God’s realm.
People:  From our rocky times we dream of God’s grace and salvation.

Leader:   Come to worship now and dream the dreams of waking.
People:  We will dream of justice, of grace, and of our voices raised in thanks.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #418: My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff (v. 1 – 3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 139:1-12, 23-34) Peter Braun

You have searched us and known us, O God, from near at hand and from far away. You know us better than we know ourselves, with knowledge too wonderful for any of your children. High in the sky or deep in the sea, you are with us: and so we pray that you might be with us in this time of worship to hear our needs and accept our praise. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: What Am I Gonna Eat          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Peter Braun

Psalm 86:11-17

Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

O God, the insolent rise up against me;
    a band of ruffians seeks my life,
    and they do not set you before them.
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and be gracious to me;
    give your strength to your servant;
    save the child of your maidservant.
Show me a sign of your favor,
    so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame,
    because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field, but while everybody was asleep an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No, for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

Sermon: Undivided Heart                    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 #398: Shadow and Substance (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Peter Braun

We offer our prayers of thanksgiving often in our lives. When small things and great things bless us, we remember to offer thanks. At this moment, let us give thanks in ways that will help others be grateful for small or great blessings in their lives. 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: Menuet in D  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         Peter Braun

We present these gifts in gratitude, O God, for your grace has lifted us in body, mind, and spirit. Bless them as you receive them so that others may, in turn, praise you for your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #413: By Gracious Powers (v. 1 – 4)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: A Tune for the Trumpet   Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

The Fathers Love
Contributors: Donald Lee Moore
Tune: © 1985 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff
Text by Thomas T. Lynch, 1855
Tune THE STAFF OF FAITH, Swiss folk melody, first pub. 1910
Public Domain

What Am I Gonna Eat
©2026 by Eric Anderson
Streamed by permission

Shadow and Substance
Text by Dan Damon, 1989
© 1994 Hope Publishing Company
Tune TWILIGHT by Dan Damon, 1989
© 1994 Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Menuet in D
John Stanley
© published by J. Curwen & Sons in 1959
Arranged by Eric H. Thiman
Public Domain

By Gracious Powers
Text by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1944
Trans. by Fred Pratt Green, 1972
© 1974 Hope Publishing Co.
Tune BONHOEFFER by Herbert G. Hobbs, 1976
Harm. by Jan Helmut Wubbena, 1976
© 1976 Herbert G. Hobbs
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

A Tune for the Trumpet
Contributors: David Paxton
Tune: © 1978 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

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, July 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

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: Morning Has Broken           Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* I’d like to invite those who are able, to please stand and join me in the Call to Worship (based on Psalm 65:1-13) Christian Albano

Leader:   God brings the refreshing rain to the earth, enriching it,
People:  The river of God is full of water, providing the people with nourishment.

Leader:   God softens the ridges with showers, blessing the growth of greenery from rock.
People:  God crowns the year with bounty and with beauty.

Leader:   The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills gird themselves with joy,
People:  Meadows and valleys, decked with flocks and flowers, shout and sing together for joy.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #108: Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old (v. 1 – 4)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 119:105-112)                  Christian Albano

Your word is the lamp that guides our feet and lights our path, O God. We have promised to follow you in speech and deed, and we strive to do so. Accept our offerings of praise today, and teach us once again what it means to be your people. Your word is our heritage forever, the joy of our hearts. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: I Will Sing Of the Mercies                       Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Christian Albano

Isaiah 55:10-13

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose
    and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

For you shall go out in joy
    and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
    shall burst into song,
    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
    instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle,
and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,
    for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on a path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. If you have ears, hear!”

“Hear, then, the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart;

this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet such a person has no root but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Sermon: We Are Not Farmers (Mostly)                  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 #318: Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Christian Albano

From day to day we set out to make things grow – relationships, communities, and the resources that sustain our lives and those of others. From that abundance we share in turn: love, support, and the gifts that sustain life. 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: Cantilene       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         Christian Albano

Accept these gifts, O God, which have grown from the seeds you planted in us. May they in turn grow to sustain and to encourage many others in their relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #495: Called as Partners in Christ’s Service (v. 1 – 4)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Fanfare           Kayleen Yuda

PERMISSIONS

Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old
Text by Joy F. Patterson, 1982
© 1982 The Hymn Society (admin. Hope Publishing Co.)
Tune JUDAS AND MARY by Sydney Carter, 1964
© 1964 Stainer & Bell Ltd. (admin. Hope Publishing Co.)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

I Will Sing Of Thy Mercies
James Filmore
Public Domain

Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast
Text by John Cawood, 1815
Public Domain
Tune ST. FLAVIAN first pub. 1562
Public Domain

Cantilene
Contributors: Arthur W. Marchant, Edward Broughton
Tune: © 1981 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Called as Partners in Christ’s Service
Text by Jane Parker Huber, 1981
© 1981 Jane Parker Huber
(admin. Westminster John Knox Press
Tune BEECHER by John Zundel, 1855
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Fanfare
Music by Nicolas J. Lemmens; edited by Diane Bish
© Copyright 1993 Tarzana Music Company
(administered worldwide by the Fred Bock Publishing Group)
All rights reserved. Used by Permission.
Contributors: Diane Bish, Nicolas Jacques Lemmens
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

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, July 5, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship July 5, 2026
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

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 Psalm 145:8-14)     Faith Mishina

Leader:   The LORD is gracious and merciful,
People:  Slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Leader:   God is good to everyone.
People:  God has compassion for all the created world.

Leader:   May all God’s works give thanks to the LORD!
People:  May all God’s faithful tell of the glory and power of the LORD!

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #449: Softly and Tenderly (v. 1 – 3)

* Invocation (based on Song of Solomon 2:8-13)                  Faith Mishina

We look for you as we look for one we love, O God. Come to us leaping over the mountains. Come to us sailing over the hills. Let the winter of our spirits pass, let the flowers bloom on earth and the singing ring in the trees. Come to us, O God, as we look for one we love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Ngang Mi Nenieoch            Stuart Mori

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Faith Mishina

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-76

So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. The Lord has greatly blessed my master, and he has become wealthy; he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels and donkeys. And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old, and he has given him all that he has. My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I live, but you shall go to my father’s house, to my kindred, and get a wife for my son.’

“I came today to the spring and said, ‘O Lord, God of my master Abraham, if now you will only make successful the way I am going! I am standing here by the spring of water; let the young woman who comes out to draw, to whom I shall say, “Please give me a little water from your jar to drink,” and who will say to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your camels also”—let her be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master’s son.’

“Before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out with her water jar on her shoulder, and she went down to the spring and drew. I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’ She quickly let down her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I will also water your camels.’ So I drank, and she also watered the camels. Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms. Then I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord and blessed the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to obtain the daughter of my master’s kinsman for his son. Now then, if you will deal loyally and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so that I may turn either to the right hand or to the left.”

And they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will.” So they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse along with Abraham’s servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,

“May you, our sister, become
    thousands of myriads;
may your offspring gain possession
    of the gates of their foes.”

Then Rebekah and her maids rose up, mounted the camels, and followed the man, and the servant took Rebekah and went his way.

Now Isaac had come from Beer-lahai-roi and was settled in the Negeb. Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field, and, looking up, he saw camels coming. And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she slipped quickly from the camel and said to the servant, “Who is the man over there, walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took her veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent. He took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
    we wailed, and you did not mourn.’

“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Sermon: Never Satisfied                       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                Faith Mishina

“Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds,” said Jesus. Let us be wise indeed and share our offerings with God and with our neighbors, so that they may know how deeply they are loved. 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: Prayer            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         Faith Mishina

We present these gifts aware that, in themselves, they will accomplish less than we wish and less than we hope. We present these aware that in your hands, there are no limits to the good we can do through them. Receive them, we pray, and through them build your realm. Amen.

* Hymn #336: Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face (v. 1-5)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

Consecrating the Bread and Cup    

Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #459: Come, O Fount of Every Blessing (v. 1 – 3)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Great Is the Lord                 Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Important Dates and Announcements

Today, July 5 – Board of Trustees meeting after Worship service in the Lounge.

July 19 – J’s Mini-Mart & Bread for the World Bake Sale – requesting baked goods for sale; all proceeds will go to Bread for the World’s Mission in Action.

August 16 – Church Picnic after Worship Service

Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – One Song from Church of the Holy Cross streamed live (canceled this week)

Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. – Bible Study in person, in Pastor’s Study or via Zoom (see The Weekly Chime for Zoom meeting link.)

Pickleball Lessons – Contact Connie 808-936-7534 or Ruth at rnduponte07@gmail.com to sign up

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, June 28, 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: Pavane              Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18)                  Jennifer Tanouye

Leader:   Let us sing of God’s steadfast love.
People:  Let us sing of God’s faithfulness to all generations.

Leader:   Happy are the people who know the festival shout.
People:  Happy are those who walk in the light of God’s face.

Leader:   God is the glory of our strength; we exalt in the LORD.
People:  The LORD is our protection, our safety, and our guide.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #505: Sweet Hour of Praise (v. 1 – 3)

* Invocation (based on Romans 6:12-23)             Jennifer Tanouye

You have promised us forgiveness, O God, and you have freed us from our bondage to the sins of our past. May we now serve you in righteousness and in holiness! Through Jesus you have freed us to be sanctified and to know eternal life. For this we bless you at all times, and especially now as we gather in worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Drei Romanzen                      Bob Grove

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Jennifer Tanouye

Jeremiah 28:5-9

Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord fulfill the words that you have prophesied and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord and all the exiles. But listen now to this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.”

Matthew 10:40-42

“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous, and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

Sermon: Mister Bad News                   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 #493: O Jesus, I Have Promised (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Jennifer Tanouye

Jesus told his friends that even a drink of water for someone who is thirsty is a gift worthy of God’s blessing. Let us take this opportunity to share what sustains body, mind, and soul with our neighbors. 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: A Song of Peace                   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

You have given us Good News in and through Jesus, O God. May we be found among those who share that good news in word and in deed with neighbors near and far. Accept and bless these gifts so that bodies, minds, and spirits might be refreshed in Jesus’ name. Amen.

* Hymn #498: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love (v. 1 – 5)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: God of Our Father               Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

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, June 21, 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: Dear Lord and Father of Mankind          Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Matthew 10:24-39)                  Cynthia Debus

Leader:   Jesus said, “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light.
People:  What you hear whispered, proclaim from the rooftops.

Leader:   Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
People:  God’s love endures beyond the life we know.

Leader:   God knows the life and death of sparrows.
People:  We will not fear, because we know we are of more value than many sparrows.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #24: The God of Abraham Praise (v. 1 – 4, Eng.)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17)    Cynthia Debus

Incline your ear to us, O God, for we need your help and aid. We come to you in devotion. You are our God, and we cry for you all day long. You, O God, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love. Be with us in this time of worship, and hear our thanks and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Sing with the Spirit!             Holy Cross Singers

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Cynthia Debus

Genesis 21:8-21

The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac.” The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered about in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Do not let me look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

God was with the boy, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

Romans 6:1b-11

Should we continue in sin in order that grace may increase? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, so we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Sermon: Better than the Bible            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 #400: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Cynthia Debus

We have gathered for worship because Jesus has changed our lives in some way. As we have been blessed, let us turn to blessing 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: Presence Divine                  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 thank you, O God, for the presence of Jesus in our lives. May these gifts make your love visible, tangible, and powerful in the lives of others. Amen.

* Hymn #391: In the Midst of New Dimensions (v. 1 – 5)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Sing a New Song of Joy      Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, June 21 – Board of Deacons meeting after Worship service in the Lounge
Saturday, June 27, 4:00 p.m.. – Service for Janet Fujioka in the Sanctuary
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, 9:00 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      Cindy Debus
Chapel Decorations  Ruth Ohata, in memory of Roy & Sachi Ohata
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Music Director-Accompanist Bob Grove
Hand Bell Director        Evan Montemayor 
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.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, June 14, 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

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome:                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Psalm 100)                  Faith Mishina

Leader:   Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
People:  Serve the LORD with gladness, come into God’s presence with singing.

Leader:   The LORD is God. God has made us.
People:  We are God’s people. We are the sheep of God’s pasture.

Leader:   Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and God’s courts with praise!
People:  We have come to give thanks and bless God’s name.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #13: O My Soul, Bless Your Creator (v. 1 – 5)

* Invocation (based on Romans 5:1-8)                  Faith Mishina

We thank you for the peace you have given us in Christ, O God, a peace which has brought us to grace. At the right time you sent Jesus, and he died for us and for all who were estranged from you. In this we find our hope, and in this we find our joy to worship you today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Born to Die for Me                IYAA

Time with the Children                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture:                           Faith Mishina

Exodus 19:2-8a

They journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the Israelites: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now, therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.”

So Moses went, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. The people all answered as one, “Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.”

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Then Jesussummoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not take a road leading to gentiles, and do not enter a Samaritan town, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick; raise the dead; cleanse those with a skin disease; cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

Sermon: Assignment Mercy   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 #586: Come to Tend God’s Garden (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Faith Mishina

Jesus told the twelve to rely upon the generosity of strangers as they brought healing and hopeful words to the villages of Galilee. Let us be the strangers for whom others may give thanks. 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: God’s Love Surrounds Us 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         Faith Mishina

We have homes and food and clothing, O God. We live in peace, at least for the most part. We present these gifts to you so that others may have homes, food, clothing, hope, and peace. Amen.

* Hymn #532: Come, Labor On (v. 1 – 4)

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

IMPORTANT DATES

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      Faith Mishina
Chapel Decorations  Shirley Miyake, in memory of Richard Miyake
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Music Director-Accompanist Bob Grove
Hand Bell Director        Evan Montemayor 
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.