Category: Worship

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, December 21, 2025. 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: O Come Little Children       Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Lighting of the Advent Candles    Albano-Suzuki family

Family Member: Would you dare to ask for a sign of God’s love? “Behold, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” Each child is a testimony to God’s love. Each raindrop is a testimony to God’s love. Each grain of sand upon the beach is a testimony to God’s love. All creation cries, “The love of the LORD is here!”

All Sing:

On the earth’s revolving sphere,
in the heavens God’s love is clear,
for the promise of ages nears
as Christ is born, the blessed child of Mary.

Tune: JOSEPH LIEBER, JOSEPH MEIN 7.8.8.11.

Family Member: Again we light the Advent candles of Hope, of Peace, and of Joy. Today we complete the circle with the fire of love. This is a love free from selfishness and greed. This is a love free from ignorance and limitations. This is a love to embrace a child, a family, a nation, a world, even a universe. This is a love to overwhelm the powers of evil. This is a love as tiny as an atom, and as great as existence itself. This candle shines for love.

Unison Prayer                 Cynthia Debus

You might have come in majesty and might, O God. You might have come in war and in wrath. You might have come in fire and in fury. We would have recognized these signs. Instead, Emmanuel, “God with us,” is a newborn child. In humility and in amazement we recognize this sign of your holiness, your presence, and your everlasting love. Amen.

* Hymn #154: Go Tell It on the Mountain (v. 1-3)

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: “Lovely Child, Holy Child” & “Mary Wore Three Links of Chain”
                                                Holy Cross Singers Men’s Trio

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16         Cynthia Debus
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

 ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall name him Emmanuel’,

which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Christmas Pageant: The GOAT

Special Anthem: We Three Kings     Youth Instrumental Trio

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 #138: Jesus, Our Brother, Strong and Good (v. 1-6)

Call to Offering                Cynthia Debus

They all brought something to birthplace of Christ: mother, father, innkeeper, angel, shepherd, sheep, and yes, the goat. They all brought something, including those who journeyed far with precious things. Give now in recognition that we are always at the side of the manger, always welcoming the life of Christ into the world. Give now from your heart and your soul. 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: Pastorale       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

You gave us Jesus many years ago, O God, and you continue to give us Jesus’ love through one another, through the Creation around us, and through the movements of the Holy Spirit. In thanks for Christ’s presence we offer you these gifts and our heartfelt praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Installation of Lay Leaders

Pastor: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.
People: There are different ways of serving, but the same God is served.

Pastor: There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to each of us for our particular service.
People: The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.

Pastor: Christ is like a single body, which has many parts.
People: It is still one body even though it is made up of different parts.

Pastor: If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.
People: All of us are Christ’s body, and each one is part of it.

Presentation

Covenant

Pastor: Sisters and brothers in Christ, it is an honor to be entrusted with responsibility for particular service in the ministry of the church, whether gathered or scattered. Having prayerfully considered the duties and responsibilities of your ministry, are you prepared to serve with the help of God in Christ’s name and for the glory of God?
Lay Leaders: I am.

Pastor: Do you promise to exercise your ministry diligently and faithfully, showing for the love of Christ?
Lay Leaders: I do, relying on God’s grace.

Pastor: Members of this household of faith, you have heard the promises of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have answered God’s call to service. Let us affirm our covenant with them in prayer:

Eternal God, you have called these people to serve you in this household of faith and in the world, which you have entrusted to our care and keeping. Send your Holy Spirit on them that they may serve among us with honor and faithfulness. Help them to be diligent in their duties that your church may prosper in the mission you place before us. May their example prove worthy for all of us to follow, as we are united in Christ’s ministry, to the glory of your name. Amen.

Pastor: In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the people of Church of the Holy Cross United Church of Christ, I rejoice to announce: You are installed in your respective positions. Let all the people say:

All: Thanks be to God!

* Hymn #125: Angels We Have Heard on High (v. 1 -4)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Angels We Have Heard on High Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

Advent Liturgy
Text by Eric S. Anderson, 2019
Tune JOSEPH LIEBER, JOSEPH MEIN, 15^th cent. German carol
Public Domain
Used by permission

Go Tell It on the Mountain
African-American spiritual
Public Domain

We Three Kings
Traditional melody
arr. by Bob Grove
Used by permission

Lovely Child, Holy Child
Mary Wore Three Links of Chain
Trad. Spirituals
Arr. by David N. Johnson
© 1975 Augsburg Publishing House
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

The GOAT
by Eric S. Anderson, 2025
Used by permission

Jesus, Our Brother, Strong and Good
Text 12^th cent. French carol
Tune ORIENTIS PARTIBUS 13^th cent. French melody
Public Domain

Pastorale
Gilbert M. Martin
Tune: © 1967 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Angels We Have Heard on High
Text trad. French carol
Trans. pub. 1862 & 1916
Public Domain
Tune GLORIA trad. French carol
Public Domain

Angels We Have Heard on High
Dale Wood
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 PM – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Sundays, 8:30 AM – Holy Cross Singers Rehearsal in the Lounge

Mondays, 11:30 AM — Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
Ruth at rnduponte07@gmail.com to sign up.

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             Stefan Tanouye
Vice Moderator Lorraine Davis
Lay Reader          Cindy Debus
Chapel Decorations   Poinsettia Donations
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Choir Director Bob Grove
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy 
IYAA Choir Director Stuart Mori  
Youth Instrumental Trio        Mila Joy Ranario, Mace Peng, Ben Yamaki
Holy Cross Singers Men’s Trio         Bob Grove, Len Miyazono, Eric Anderson
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, December 14, 2025. 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: The Advent Chorale Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Introit: Gentle Mary Laid Her Child Bell Choir

Gentle Mary laid her Child
Lowly in a manger;
There He lay, the undefiled,
To the world a stranger:
Such a Babe in such a place,
Can He be the Savior?
Ask the saved of all the race
Who have found His favor.

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Lighting of the Advent Candles    Yamaki family

Family Member:             Please rise if you are able as we light the first three Advent candles.

Family Member: When the ancient prophet envisioned great joy, it was not just the smiling faces of people before his eyes. “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,” he wrote, “the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” He even imagined the flowering desert singing, making melodies of praise and thanks and joy. The joy of our Redeemer is not just a joy for a few people. It is not just a joy for many people. It is not even just a joy for all people. The joy of our Redeemer is a joy for all Creation.

All Sing:

Ocean waves shall leap in praise,
stars shall twinkle their grandest rays,
joy abundant shall hearts amaze
when Christ is born, the blessed child of Mary.

Tune: JOSEPH LIEBER, JOSEPH MEIN 7.8.8.11.

Family Member: We have lit the Advent candle of Hope. We have lit the Advent candle of Peace. Now we light the Advent candle of Joy: the Joy that exists, and the Joy still to come. This light shines for those oppressed by misfortune and human malice. This light shines for a Creation mistreated by those who call it home. This light shines for a young woman who trusted in a promise and rejoiced in God, our Savior. This light shines for Joy.

Unison Prayer                 Ming Peng

Our hearts are light in part, and heavy in part, O God. We are merry in our loves and successes, and we grieve in our losses and our needs. Rekindle Joy within us, O God. Rekindle a Joy that holds fast to the love you bear us. Rekindle a Joy that withstands the struggles we endure. Rekindle a Joy that wells up so greatly as to water a desert of suffering, bring it to blossom, and hear Creation’s joyful song. Amen.

* Hymn #119: My Soul Gives Glory to My God (v. 1-5)

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Gesù Bambino                        Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55           Ming Peng

And Mary said,

‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
    Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
    and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’

Matthew 11:2-11
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.”

Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Sermon: What Did You Go Out to See?        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 #127: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (v. 1 German, v. 1-2 English)

Call to Offering                Ming Peng

Blessed are those who seek the voice of prophecy, for they shall know joy whether the times are good for them or bad. Bring your gifts today in search of God’s Spirit and God’s grace. Bring your gifts, and may you be blessed. 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: Offertory on Resonet in Laudibus        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         Ming Peng

Accept the gifts of your joyful people, O God. We give from the abundance of your grace and from our confidence in your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #146: Nu Oli (Glad Tidings) (v. 1 Hwn, v. 1 Eng., v. 2-3 Hwn)

Please be seated

Announcements

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Shepherds      Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, December 14 – Council meeting after Worship Service

The Giving Tree – Donations of canned/packaged food for The Food Basket and toiletry items for Hope Services may be placed under the Giving Tree through the end of the year.

Friday, December 19, 6:00 PM – Community Concert in the sanctuary.
Saturday, December 20, 4:00 PM – The Messiah Sing Along in the sanctuary.
Sunday, December 21, 10 AM – Christmas Pageant during Worship Service
Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 PM – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Sundays, 8:30 AM – Holy Cross Singers Rehearsal in the Lounge

Mondays, 11:30 AM — Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
Ruth at rnduponte07@gmail.com to sign up.

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             Stefan Tanouye
Vice Moderator Lorraine Davis
Lay Reader          Ming Peng
Chapel Decorations   Jean and Woody Kita
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Choir Director Bob Grove
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, November 23, 2025. 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 Luke 1:68-79)          Jennifer Tanouye

Leader:   Blessed be the LORD God, who has looked favorably on us and redeemed us.
People:  God has raised up a mighty savior for us from the descendants of David.

Leader:   God remembered the mercy promised to our ancestors long ago.
People:  May we serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness all our days.

Leader:   Because of the tender mercy of God, the dawn will break upon us from the sky,
People:  To shine upon those who sit in darkness, to raise us up and guide us into           the way of peace.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #86: When Morning Gilds the Skies (v. 1-4)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 46)    Jennifer Tanouye

God, you are our refuge and our strength; you are our help in trouble. The mountains shake and the seas foam, and though the breath catches in our mouths, we will not fear because we trust in you. Make the wars cease, O God. Break the bow; shatter the spear; burn the shields with fire. In the stillness, tell us again that you are God. Be with us, Holy One. Be our refuge. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: The King of Glory      Rick Mazurowski

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6     Jennifer Tanouye
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! Says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.

 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

Luke 23:33-43
 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus^[a] there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding^[e] him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’

Sermon: Righteous Shepherd 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 #304: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Jennifer Tanouye

Jesus offered us, then gave us, more than we could ever ask or expect. He gave us all of himself; he held nothing back. As we make our gifts today, we will not give everything; we are not the Messiah. But let us give what lifts our hearts, and let us give what will lift others’ 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: The Lord’s My Shepherd Rick Mazurowski

* 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

Merciful Jesus, you gave forgiveness to those who crucified you. You gave assurance to one who suffered next to you. Receive our gifts as more than sour wine; accept them as thankful offerings of our hearts. Amen.

* Hymn #301: Crown with Your Riches Crowns (v. 1-5)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Movement V “Toccata” from Widor’s “Symphony No. 5 for Organ”
Rick Mazurowski

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

Crown Him
by Gregg Sewell, Matthew Bridges, and Godfrey Thring
Quoting DIADEMATA by George J. Elvey
From “12 Anthems for about 12 Singers” © 2002 Lorenz Publishing Co.
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

When Morning Gilds the Skies
Text from Katholisches Gesangbuch, 1828
Trans. by Edward Caswall, 1854
Public Domain
Tune LAUDES DOMINI by Joseph Barnby, 1868
Public Domain

The King of Glory
 Gifu Hagalim, Trad Israeli Folk Song
Arr. by William Jabusch and Randall DeBruyn
© 1966 OCP Publishing
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
Text by Edward Peronnet, 1779, & John Rippon, 1787
Tune CORONATION by Oliver Holden, 1793
Public Domain

The Lord’s My Shepherd
Arr. by Bob Chilcott, from “The Oxford Book of Flexible Anthems”
© 2007 Oxford University Press
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Crown with Your Richest Crowns
Text by Matthew Bridges & Geoffrey Thring, 1874
Tune DIADEMATA by George J. Elvey, 1868
Public Domain

Movement V “Toccata” from “Symphony No.5 for Organ”
by Charles Marie Widor’s
© MCMLIII G. Schirmer Inc. 
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Mondays, 11:30 AM — 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, November 9, 2025. 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

Leader:   Let us celebrate the LORD of hosts, and bless God’s name forever.
People:  Not just today, but in each day we will praise the name of the Creator.

Leader:   From one generation to the next go the stories of God’s mighty acts.
People:  We declare the glories of God’s majesty so that further generations may meditate upon them.

Leader:   Let our mouths declare the praise of the LORD!
People:  May all flesh bless God’s holy name forever and ever.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #442: I’m Pressing on the Upward Way (Higher Ground) (v. 1-4)

* Invocation (based on Job 19:23-27)        Lorraine Davis

Bless you, O God, for you are our Redeemer and your life extends through the heavens and throughout the earth. We rejoice that we shall see you standing upon the earth, and that with our flesh we will see God. Come to us in this time of worship to hear our praise, tend to our hurts, and prepare us for the challenges of the week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: He Leadeth Me           Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9 Lorraine Davis

In the second year of King Darius, in the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Speak now to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, and say, Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Is it not in your sight as nothing? Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts, according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My spirit abides among you; do not fear. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts. The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the Lord of hosts.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters,not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless oneis revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sistersbeloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruitsfor salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

Sermon: Shaken and Reshaken          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                Lorraine Davis

In hard times, it can be hard to remember that others suffer hard times, too. Sometimes they’re doing better than we are, and sometimes they are doing worse. Let us today make the gifts that we can from our poverty or our wealth, so that others may know that they are remembered, valued, and 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:  Peace Shall Come  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

Holy One, you have called us to the glory of Jesus, but we also experience the stresses of this life as Jesus did. Accept the gifts we offer from our individual situations, and as giving comforts our hearts, may they bring strength and hope to those who receive them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #433: In the Bulb There Is a Flower (v. 1-3)

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, November 9 – Council meeting after Worship Service

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             Stefan Tanouye
Vice Moderator Lorraine Davis
Lay Reader          Lorraine Davis
Chapel Decorations   Jean Tanouye, Kelly & Stefan Tanouye families,
In memory of Kenneth & Kenny Tanouye
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Choir Director Bob Grove
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.