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, January 5, 2025. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

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.

Service of Worship January 5, 2025
Second Sunday after Christmas Day

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Shepherd’s Song                                             Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                                       Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship (based on Psalm 147:12-20)                     Stefan Tanouye

Leader:         The word of the LORD runs swiftly across the surface of the Earth.
People:        The snow settles like wool, the frost glistens in the sun.

Leader:         Upon the mountain who can stand in the cold?
People:        But then the word of the LORD runs swiftly again to melt the frozen ice.

Leader:         The winds blow, and the waters flow.
People:        May we live in the delight and in the ways of the LORD!

All:     Let us worship God!

* Hymn #153: Who Would Think That What Was Needed (v. 1-3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 119:1-8)                               Stefan Tanouye

You have commanded us to follow your guidance carefully and diligently, O God. May we keep your commandments with faithfulness, compassion, and understanding. Though we know we will make errors, we trust in your forgiving grace. We worship you on this day and every day, O God. Hear us as we sing your praise! Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem                                       IYAA                            

Time with the Children                                          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:7-14                                          Stefan Tanouye
For thus says the Lord:
Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
    and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;
proclaim, give praise, and say,
    ‘Save, O Lord, your people,
    the remnant of Israel.’
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,
    and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
    those with child and those in labor, together;
    a great company, they shall return here.
With weeping they shall come,
    and with consolations I will lead them back,
I will let them walk by brooks of water,
    in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;
for I have become a father to Israel,
    and Ephraim is my firstborn.

 Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
    and declare it in the coastlands far away;
say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him,
    and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.’
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob,
    and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
    and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
    and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall become like a watered garden,
    and they shall never languish again.
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
    and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
    I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
I will give the priests their fill of fatness,
 and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,
says the Lord.

John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Sermon: Mystery                                                           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

Call to Offering                                                   Stefan Tanouye

Much of faith remains a mystery, however long and hard we look into the Scriptures or into our souls. God’s generosity, however, shines clearly across the centuries, and God’s call to our own giving does as well. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Arioso                             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, O God, you who give us everything. Accept them, bless them, and may they serve your purposes here in the world. Amen.

* Hymn #329: Jesus, the Joy of Loving Hearts (v. 1-3)

Please be seated

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation
Consecrating the Bread and Cup
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #160: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Jesus, the Light of the World) (v. 1-4)

Please be seated

Announcements                                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                     Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Jubilate Deo                                                          Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Shepherd’s Song
James Mansfield
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Who Would Think That What Was Needed
Text by John Bell & Graham Meade, 1990
Tune SCARLET RIBBONS trad. English melody
Arr. by John Bell & others, 1990
Words & arr. © 1990 Wild Goose Publications/Iona Community
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Arioso
J S Bach
Arr. John Troutman
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Jesus, the Joy of Loving Hearts
Text attrib. to Bernard of Clairvaux, c. 1150
Transl. by Ray Palmer, 1858
Tune HESPERUS by Henry W. Baker, 1854
Public Domain

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Jesus, the Light of the World)
Text by Charles Wesley, 1739
Adapt. by George D. Elderkin, 1890
Tune ELDERKIN by George D. Elderkin, 1890
Public Domain

Jubilate Deo
G F Handel
Arr. George Blake
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Dates to Remember
Today—January 5: Trustees Meeting After Worship

Please Send Pledge Cards

A reminder from the Every Member Canvass Committee, please send in your 2025 pledge cards if you have not done so. This will help us in planning for our year’s program. To date we have received 27 pledges for 64% of our goal. Thank you to all who have already sent in pledges.

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
Lay Reader                                                                        Stefan Tanouye
Organist                                                                             Kayleen Yuda        
Hand Bell Director                                                        Anna Kennedy      
Projected Imagery                                                        Sue Smith
Web Master                                                                      Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers                                                                Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki
                                                                             Ruth Niino-DuPonte, Bob Smith
Chapel Decorations                                                       Lillian Tanouye, Eric Tanouye,
                                                                                  Heather & Alan Tanouye, Kyle &
                                                                                   Robin Nakayama, in memory of
                                                                                                Patricia Kazoku Tanouye

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 8, 2024. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship December 8, 2024
Second Sunday of Advent
Loyalty Sunday

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle                                   Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                                              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Introit: Come Into His Presence-The Snow Lay on the Ground       Children’s Choir

Moment of Concern                                         Barbara Iwami

Lighting of the Advent Candle of Peace                                           Yamaki family

Family Member: Despite the well-known benefits of peace, our conflicts leap to violence all too often. In homes, on streets, in parks, and along the restless borders of the nations, we leave the path of peace to take the weary way of war. Christ Jesus called us to another road.

All Sing:

Let peace take wings and make its flight
To all ends of the earth
Let weeping cease and mourning end
As God’s reign proves its worth
In homes and lands and in our souls
When Jesus comes to birth.

TUNE: BROTHER JAMES’ AIR

Family Member: In the first candle of Advent, we declare our Hope. In the second candle of Advent, we raise our Hope for Peace. This candle glows for the oppressed. This candle glows for those in fear. This candle glows to pierce the shadows that cloud our vision. This candle glows for Peace.

Unison Prayer: Holy One, inspire Peace within us. Inspire Peace that flows from us. Inspire Peace that raises hearts, and quenches rage. Inspire Peace that overcomes the world. Amen.

* Hymn #121: Toda la Tierra (All Earth Is Waiting) (v. 1 Spanish, v. 1-4 English)

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Kyrie Eleison                     Holy Cross Singers

Time with the Children                                             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11                                                   Anne Sadayasu
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was rulerof Galilee, and his brother Philip rulerof the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
    and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
    and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

Sermon: What Really Matters                                                  Rev. Eric S. Anderson

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 #101: Comfort, Comfort O My People (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                                                      Anne Sadayasu

Today we dedicate our gifts to God, both those we have brought today or sent this week, but those we intend to give in the year to come. We have thought. We have prayed. We have sought God’s will. We have decided, and so we ask God to bless our choices. 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: Blessed Jesu                                              Kayleen Yuda

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

* Offertory Prayer                                                          Anne Sadayasu

Before you are the fulfillment of promises we have made to you for this year, O God, fulfillment in dollars and cents. Before you as well are the promises we make for the year ahead, promises again of dollars and cents, but also of the heart, the mind, and the will. Bless promise and fulfillment, we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Please be seated

Announcements                                                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                                                                                                  Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Noel, Nouvelet (Sing We A Glad Noel)                Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle
Traditional French Carol
© 2011 Hal Leonard
Glory Sound, a division of Shawnee Press
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Come Into His Presence-The Snow Lay on the Ground
Traditional Irish Carol
© Hal Leonard Corporation
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Toda la Tierra (All Earth is Waiting)
Text by Alberto Taule, 1972
Trans. by Gertrude C. Suppe, 1987
Tune TAULE by Alberto Taule, 1972
© 1972 The Pastoral Musicians
Translation © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing
Harmonization © 1988 Skinner Chavez-Melo
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Kyrie Eleison
Text and music by David Huntsinger
© 2008 by Huntsinger Music (BMI)
Streamed by permission CCS License #13303

Comfort, Comfort O My People
Text by Johannes Olearius, 1671
Trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1863
Tune PSALM 42, first pub. 1551
Public Domain

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

Noel, Nouvelet (Sing We A Glad Noel)
Dale Wood
French Carol
Sacred Music
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Dates to Remember

Today, December 8 — Council Meeting after worship
Today, December 8 — Loyalty Sunday
Tuesday, December 10, 7:00 pm – Prayer Service for Peace in Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon

                             This week at the Church of the Holy Cross

• Bible Study with Pastor Eric:

Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. -Pastor’s study

• One Song: Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. online
• Hand Bell Choir Practice: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room
• Community Sing: 2^nd Fridays, 6:00 pm in sanctuary
  
  

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
Lay Reader                                                                        Anne Sadayasu
Choir Accompanist                                                        Kanako Okita
Choir Director                                                                 Doug Albertson
Organist                                                                             Kayleen Yuda
Soloist                                                                                  Marlise Ahuna
Hand Bell Director                                                        Anna Kennedy
Chapel Decorations                                                       Beverly Dodo
Projected Imagery                                                        Sue Smith
Web Master                                                                      Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers                                                                Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki
                                                                            Ruth Niino-DuPonte, Bob Smith

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 are worshiping from home, please prepare some bread and a beverage and have them ready for that portion of the service.

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, December 1, 2024. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship December 1, 2024
First Sunday of Advent

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Come, Thou Long—Expected Jesus                                 Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Moment of Concert

Lighting of the Advent Candle of Hope                Mori Family

Family Member: In perilous times, God called forth prophets. They spoke against the evils of their day. They raised their voice against oppressors and their deeds. They called for a new day and better ways. To those who suffered came a different word: that on the acceptable day of God, the reign of tyranny would cease.

All Sing:

Within us plant the seeds of hope
To sprout into a tree,
To know the promises of God
So difficult to see
And labor in the groves of life
To bring its fruit to be.

TUNE: BROTHER JAMES’ AIR

Family: With this first Advent candle, we kindle a flame for hope. This candle glows for the oppressed. This candle glows for the refugees. This candle glows for the lost. This candle glows for the people Jesus came to save.

Unison Prayer

Holy One, all too frequently our hope flickers like a candle in the wind. We barely feel its warmth. Feed our hope for justice with justice. Feed our hope for healing with healing. Feed our hope for love with love, in the name of the One who came to meet all hopes, Jesus Christ. Amen.

* Hymn #112: Keep Awake, Be Always Read (v. 1-2)

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem                                    IYAA

Time with the Children                                        Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Reflection: Why I Give to the Church          Bob Smith

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13                                          John Narruhn
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Luke 21:25-36
‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

Sermon: Signs and Times                                       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

Call to Offering                                   John Narruhn

In God we obtain joy beyond our imagining. How could we ever repay such a gift? We can not. What we can do is share our joy, our aid, and our resources with others so that they may also rejoice. 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: O, Come Emmanuel                                  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

We present these gifts in thanks, O God, and we present them in hope. May they help to fulfill the promise of universal light and joy in this world of yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #345: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (v. 1-4)

Please be seated

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation
Consecrating the Bread and Cup
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #609: Now Is the Time Approaching (v. 1-3)

Announcements                                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                         Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: O Blessed Emmanuel                               Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Come, Thou Long—Expected Jesus
Peter Niedmann
All Rights Reserved
ASCAP Text: © 2022 Lorenz Corp
(admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved
ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Keep Awake, Be Always Ready
Text by Arthur G. Clyde, 1993
© 1993 by The Pilgrim Press
Tune WACHET AUF by Philipp Nicolai, 1599
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

O, Come, Emmanuel
Wilbur Held 1959
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890
Concordia Publishing

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Text 4^th century; trans. by Gerard Moultrie, 1864
Tune PICARDY 17^th century French carol
Harmony by Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1906
Public Domain

Now Is the Time Approaching
Text by Jane Laurie Borthwick, 1859
Tune WEBB by George J. Webb, 1837
Public Domain

O Blessed Emmanuel
Johann Sebastian Bach
Van Denman Thompson
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Dates to Remember

Today, December 1— Trustees Meeting after worship

                             This week at the Church of the Holy Cross

• Bible Study with Pastor Eric:
  Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
  Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. -Pastor’s study
• One Song: Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. online
• Hand Bell Choir Practice: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room
• Community Sing: 2^nd Fridays, 6:00 pm in sanctuary

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
Lay Reader                                                                        John Narruhn
Choir Accompanist                                                        Kanako Okita
Choir Director                                                                 Doug Albertson
Organist                                                                             Kayleen Yuda
Soloist                                                                                  Marlise Ahuna
Hand Bell Director                                                        Anna Kennedy
Chapel Decorations                                                       Hats Kamimura
Projected Imagery                                                        Sue Smith
Web Master                                                                      Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers                                                                Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki
                                                                            Ruth Niino-DuPonte, Bob Smith

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 24, 2024. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship November 24, 2024
Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Reign of Christ Sunday

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Prayer of Thanksgiving                         Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 93)                      Nina Buchanan

Leader:         The LORD rules, robed in majesty.
People:        The LORD has established the world and will not be moved.

Leader:         God’s throne is established from of old, from everlasting.
People:        The roaring seas proclaim the glory of the LORD.

Leader:         Yet more majestic than the thunder of mighty waters is our God.
People:        Greater than the waves of the sea is the majesty of the LORD.

All:     Let us worship God!

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

* Invocation: (based on Revelation 1:4-8)                                  Nina Buchanan
                                                                                                                                   
 You are the one who was and who is and who is to be, O God. Grant us grace and peace as we gather to praise you. Glory and dominion forever and ever to you and to Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who loves us and has freed us from sin. We gaze to the future where every eye will see and every tongue will proclaim the one who is the first and the last, the mighty One, you, our God. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: O Divine Redeemer                           Kayleen Yuda, pianist
                                                                                  Marlise Ahuna, soloist

Time with the Children                                               Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Reflection: Why I Give to the Church                                             Stefan Tanouye

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:1-7                                              Nina Buchanan
Now these are the last words of David:

The oracle of David, son of Jesse,
    the oracle of the man whom God exalted,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
    the favorite of the Strong One of Israel:

 The spirit of the Lord speaks through me,
    his word is upon my tongue.
The God of Israel has spoken,
    the Rock of Israel has said to me:
One who rules over people justly,
    ruling in the fear of God,
is like the light of morning,
    like the sun rising on a cloudless morning,
    gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.

 Is not my house like this with God?
    For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
    ordered in all things and secure.
Will he not cause to prosper
    all my help and my desire?
But the godless areall like thorns that are thrown away;
    for they cannot be picked up with the hand;
to touch them one uses an iron bar
    or the shaft of a spear.
    And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.

John 18:33-37
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’

Sermon: Light or Thorns?                                         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                                          Nina Buchanan

There are many kinds of gifts we can bring to the service of God: insight, vision, physical prowess, a comforting presence. Let us now bring a portion of the money we have earned or saved, for this, too, is a gift with which can honor God. 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: Morning                                  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

Accept these gifts, O God, a portion of our lives of service to you and to your people. Accept them and bless them so that all the world may know your goodness and your grace. Amen.

* Hymn #303: Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing (v. 1-4)

Please be seated

Announcements                                                  Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                        Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: How Majestic Is Your Name                                     Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Prayer of Thanksgiving
William Stickles
© 1950 Ethel Smith
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

O Divine Redeemer
Charles F. Gounod
Tune: © 1963 Lorenz Publishing Company
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
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

Morning
William Stickles
© 1950 Ethel Smith Music Co.
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing
Text by Charles Wesley, 1746
Tune DARWALL’S 148th by John Darwall, 1770
Public Domain

How Majestic Is Your Name
Michael W. Smith
Peggy Bettcher
© 1981 arr © 2001
Meadowgreen Music
Streamed by permission CCS License #13303

Dates to Remember

Today, November 24— J’s Mini Mart
Today, November 24 – ONA meeting 11:30 in the Lounge

                             This week at the Church of the Holy Cross

• Bible Study with Pastor Eric:

Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. -Pastor’s study

• One Song: Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. online
• Hand Bell Choir Practice: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room
• Community Sing: 2^nd Fridays, 6:00 pm in sanctuary
  
  

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
Lay Reader                                                                        Nina Buchanan
Choir Accompanist                                                        Kanako Okita
Choir Director                                                                 Doug Albertson
Organist                                                                             Kayleen Yuda
Soloist                                                                                  Marlise Ahuna
Hand Bell Director                                                        Anna Kennedy
Chapel Decorations                                                       Connie Yoshiyama
Projected Imagery                                                        Sue Smith
Web Master                                                                      Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers                                                                Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki
                                                                            Ruth Niino-DuPonte, Bob Smith

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 17, 2024. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship November 17, 2024
Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Prelude on Truro                                                     Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                                                Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on 1 Samuel 2:1-10)                     Mace Peng

Leader:         Let your heart exult in the LORD,
People:        My strength is exalted in my God.

Leader:         There is no Holy One like the LORD,
People:        There is no Rock like our God.

Leader:         Do not speak with pride or let arrogance come from your mouth,
People:        For the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by wisdom our actions are weighed.

All:                 Let us worship God!

* Hymn #313: Like a Tree beside the Waters (v. 1-3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 16)                                  Mace Peng

Protect us, O God, for in you we take refuge. You are our chosen portion and our cup. We bless you for your counsel, the way in which you instruct us through the heart. Make our hearts glad, O God, let our bodies rest secure. Show us the path of life, in which there is fullness of joy, and delight evermore. 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: Hebrews 10:11-25                                               Mace Peng
And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christhad offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, ‘he sat down at the right hand of God’, and since then has been waiting ‘until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.’ For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,

 ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them
    after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds’,

 he also adds,

‘I will remembertheir sins and their lawless deeds no more.’

Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

 Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Mark 13:1-8
As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?’ Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Sermon: Not Neglecting                                           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 #374: O God of All Your People Past (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                                                   Mace Peng

God’s gifts to us in Jesus Christ overwhelm our imagination, our understanding, and even our gratitude. Let us make an attempt to return those gifts with these offerings today. Let us strive to echo the goodness of our God with our goodness here on Earth. 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: Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart                                         Kayleen Yuda

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

* Offertory Prayer                                           Mace Peng

From you we have received our lives, O God. From you we have received the seeds of all we have become. In you we trust for salvation and for life. Accept these gifts of gratitude and faith, O Holy One, and may we rejoice in you. Amen.

* Hymn #391: In the Midst of New Dimensions (v. 1-4)

Please be seated

Announcements                                                    Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                  Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Praise Ye the Lord                                                 Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Prelude on Truro
Fred B. Binckes
Thomas Willimas
Tune: © 1985 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Like a Tree beside the Waters
Text by James F. D. Martin, 1992
© 1994 by James Martin
Tune SILVER CREEK by Roy Hopp, 1989
© 1990 Selah Publish Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

I Will Sing of the Mercies
James H. Fillmore
arr. Roger House
Public Domain

O God of All Your People Past
Text by Thomas H. Gill, 1868
© 1993 The Pilgrim Press
Tune NUN FREUT EUCH by Martin Luther, 1535
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart
Johnie Dean
Tune: © 1986 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

In the Midst of New Dimensions
Text by Julian Rush, 1985
Tune NEW DIMENSIONS by Julian Rush, 1985
Text and tune © 1985 by Julian Rush
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Praise Ye the Lord
Robert J. Hughes
Tune: © 1985 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of the Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Dates to Remember

Today, November 17— Membership meeting after service
Today, November 17 – Deacons meeting

                             This week at the Church of the Holy Cross

Bible Study with Pastor Eric:

Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. -Pastor’s study

One Song: Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. online

Hand Bell Choir Practice: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room

Community Sing: 2^nd Fridays, 6:00 pm in sanctuary

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
Lay Reader                                                                        Mace Peng
Choir Accompanist                                                        Kanako Okita
Choir Director                                                                 Doug Albertson
Organist                                                                             Kayleen Yuda
Hand Bell Director                                                        Anna Kennedy
Chapel Decorations                                                       Moira Tanaka
Projected Imagery                                                        Sue Smith
Web Master                                                                      Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers                                                                Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki
                                                                            Ruth Niino-DuPonte, Bob Smith

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.