Category: Worship Services

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, February 1, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship February 1, 2026
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: Psalm of Glory            Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31)                  Christian Albano        

Leader:   Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scholar or debater?
People:  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Leader:   Some ask for signs. Others desire wisdom.
People:  We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others.

Leader:   God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

People:  Let those who boast, boast in the LORD!

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #180: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit (v. 1-3)

* Invocation: (based on Psalm 15)               Christian Albano

Who may abide in your tent, O God? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who live without blame, who do what is right, who speak the truth from their heart. Lead us to such a life through this time of worship, and in all the hours we spend beyond these walls. By your grace, O God, may we never be moved. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: I Will Lift My Hands IYAA

Time with the Children          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8              Christian Albano

Hear what the Lord says:
    Rise, plead your case before the mountains,
    and let the hills hear your voice.
Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord,
    and you enduring foundations of the earth;
for the Lord has a controversy with his people,
    and he will contend with Israel.

 ‘O my people, what have I done to you?
    In what have I wearied you? Answer me!
For I brought you up from the land of Egypt,
    and redeemed you from the house of slavery;
and I sent before you Moses,
    Aaron, and Miriam.
O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised,
    what Balaam son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
    that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.’

 ‘With what shall I come before the Lord,
    and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings,
    with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
    with tens of thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
    and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
    and to walk humbly with your God?

Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Sermon: Mountaintop Wisdom

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    Christian Albano

“Blessed are the merciful,” said Jesus. Blessed are those who care for their neighbors, for their families, and for the strangers across the sea. May we be blessed in this moment, as we make our offerings of mercy for those near and far. 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: Cantilena                   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

Merciful and holy one, you have blessed us in our sorrow and trouble, and you have blessed us in our joy and success. Bless those who benefit from the gifts we present to you now, that they may know the blessings of righteousness, comfort, and richness of spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

 Please be seated

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Consecrating the Bread and Cup    

Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #436: God of Grace and God of Glory (v. 1 -5)

Please be seated

Announcements Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Voluntary                   Kayleen Yuda

Permissions

Important Dates and Announcements

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

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

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, January 25, 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: Pastorale from “Petite Suite for Organ”                              Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                                                                             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on 1 Corinthians 1:10                              John Narruhn

Leader:  Paul urged the Corinthians to knit their minds and purposes together.
People: They had quarreled with one another, choosing sides over leaders and ideas.

Leader:  “Has Christ been divided?” Paul asked. “Was Paul crucified for you?”
People:   Nobody has been crucified for us other than Jesus Christ.

Leader:  Let us proclaim the good news, even if we cannot summon eloquent wisdom.
People:  Let us proclaim what is foolishness to many, but in reality is the power of  God.

All:     Let us worship God!

* Hymn #172: Jesus Calls Us, o’er the Tumult (v. 1-3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 27:1, 4-9)                                             John Narruhn

When you are our light and salvation, O God, whom shall we fear? When you are the center of our life, of whom shall we be afraid? Hide us in the day of trouble, conceal us with the corner of your tent, set us high upon the rock. Though our enemies surround us below, we will shout our joy. In this time of worship we will sing and make melody to you, O LORD. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Come As You Are                                                               Len Miyazono

Time with the Children                                                                     Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-4                                                                       John Narruhn
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

 The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.

 For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.

Matthew 4:12-23
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

 ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
    on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
    light has dawned.’

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Sermon: Whose People Are We?                                                       Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

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 #173: Tu has venido a la orilla (You Have Come down to the Lakeshore) (v. 1-4 Eng.)

Call to Offering                                                                                 John Narruhn

Jesus asked a lot of his first followers: to step out of their lives and take up new challenges. He gave them the wonders of Good News, which they shared in turn. Today we share that Good News in words, and in this moment, in giving. 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: Canzona                                                                             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

You have summoned us to follow you, O Christ. We step forth to take our place with you to see that hearts are lifted, souls unburdened, hungers satisfied, and illnesses healed. Accept these gifts and set them to your purposes, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

* Hymn #493: O Jesus, I Have Promised (v. 1 -3)

Please be seated

Announcements                                                                                 Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                                                                         Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: God’s Trumpet Call                                                            Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

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

Fridays, 10 AM – Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal in Building of Faith’s meeting room

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

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

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, January 18, 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

*Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 29:1-11)       Anne Sadayasu

Leader: We have seen the flames upon the mountain, leaping once again.
People: We have known the shaking of the earth, in wilderness and town.

Leader: We have experienced the howling wind stripping leaves and branches from the trees.
People: We have held our breath as the world cries, “Glory!”

Leader: Come now and worship the One enthroned above land and sea and sky.
People: We come to pray for strength and peace from the One who made heaven and  earth.

All: Let us worship God!

* Hymn #281: Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove (v. 1-3)

* Invocation: (based on Acts 10:34-43)                 Anne Sadayasu

You show no favor to one group of people or another, O God. Those who come to you find you waiting with love and grace. Receive our worship today in celebration of Jesus’ life and ministry, who brought the work of the Holy Spirit to the people of his time and to us. Bless us with Christ’s presence in this hour and in every hour. Forgive us our sins in his name. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

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

Time with the Children                       Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7                       Anne Sadayasu
Listen to me, O coastlands,
    pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
    while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
    in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
    in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
    Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’
But I said, ‘I have labored in vain,
    I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
    and my reward with my God.’

 And now the Lord says,
    who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
    and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the Lord,
    and my God has become my strength—
he says,
‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
    to raise up the tribes of Jacob
    and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
    that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’

 Thus says the Lord,
    the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
    the slave of rulers,
‘Kings shall see and stand up,
    princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
    the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’

John 1:29-42
The next day he saw Jesus coming towards 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 Son of God.’

 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter.

Sermon: The Invitation 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 #522: I Love to Tell the Story (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering    Anne Sadayasu

God gave us Jesus as guide, friend, and Savior. Jesus, in turn, invites us to learn, to believe, and to follow. God’s great gift to us urges us to give in turn. 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 Quiet 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         Anne Sadayasu

We present these offerings to you, O God, at the invitation of Jesus, who called us to follow him. We follow in many ways, including these gifts with which we pray you will care for our neighbors and friends. Amen.

* Hymn #286: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness (v. 1 -4)

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

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

Fridays, 10 AM – Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal in Building of Faith’s meeting room

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

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

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, January 11, 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: As With Gladness      Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship:  (based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9)                  Peter Braun

Leader:   Grace to you and peace from God and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
People:  We are grateful for the grace that has been given to us in Jesus.

Leader:   In every way you have been enriched by Christ.
People:  We know more and we can speak more of God’s love for all the world.

Leader:   May God strengthen you through all your days,
People:  For God is faithful and has called us to be partners with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

All:           Let us worshp God!

* Hymn #167: Mark How the Lamb of God’s Self-Offering (v. 1-3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 40:1-11)      Peter Braun

When we waited for you, O God, you listened to us and you heard our prayer. You have raised us from pits and bogs of our spirits and our lives, and set our feet upon firm and lofty places. We come to you with worship, not of sacrifice and offering, but of commitment and compassion. We have declared your salvation, we have declared your love in the great congregation. Bring to us your mercy again. Let your steadfast love keep us safe together. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace                  Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9           Peter Braun
Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
    he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry or lift up his voice,
    or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
    he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be crushed
    until he has established justice in the earth;
    and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

 Thus says God, the Lord,
    who created the heavens and stretched them out,
    who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
    and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
    I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,^[a]
    a light to the nations,
    to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
    from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the Lord, that is my name;
    my glory I give to no other,
    nor my praise to idols.
See, the former things have come to pass,
    and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
    I tell you of them.

Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’

Sermon: Without Pride or Privilege             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 #169: What Ruler Wades Through Murky Streams (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering    Peter Braun

In Jesus, God gave us not just an example, but a gift of full humanity. God joined us in our hardships and struggles so that we could be fully embraced by love. Let us share that love with those around us. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Andante         Kayleen Yuda

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

* Offertory Prayer         Peter Braun

We thank you, O God, for Jesus, who has gone through the water, journeyed the roads, and faced the shadows of death with us. With these gifts we share the gifts of life and love with our neighbors, and we ask you to bless them with Jesus’ love. Amen.

* Hymn #170: Your Ways Are Not Our Own (v. 1 -5)

Please be seated

Announcements Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Trumpet Tune          Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

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

Fridays, 10 AM – Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal in Building of Faith’s meeting room

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

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

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, January 4, 2026. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship January 4, 2026
Second Sunday after Christmas Day

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: The Master Hath Come       Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on Sirach 24:1-12)                  Lorraine Davis

Leader:   We hear the voice of Wisdom proclaiming her glory.
People:  She came from the mouth of the Most High and covered the earth like a mist.

Leader:   Over the waves of the sea, over the mountains of the earth,
People:  Over every people and every nation Wisdom holds sway.

Leader:   Among all the earth she sought a resting place. Where should she abide?
People:  May Wisdom abide in us, taking root and blossoming in glory.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #143: On Christmas Night All Christians Sing (v. 1-3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 147:12-20) Lorraine Davis

We praise you, O God, from the seashores and the summits, for you strengthen our communities, you bless our keiki. You command the snow to fall, the wind to blow, and the sun to shine. You declare your word to us, your guidance to our hearts. Embrace us in this time of worship, as we praise your name. 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   Lorraine Davis
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: A Little Wisdom; A Lot of Wisdom                  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                Lorraine Davis

In God’s eyes, Wisdom means coming to Earth, taking on human form, and giving all for the life of humanity. What is Wisdom to us? It is loving our family and neighbors; it is raising them up if they fall. Our gifts today contribute to our life of Wisdom. 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 Streams of Babylon   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

In your wisdom you sent us Jesus, O God, a gift beyond imagining. In our wisdom we offer these gifts, and pray that they might lift up those who have been cast down in our community and in other communities around the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

Consecrating the Bread and Cup    

Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #55: Rejoice, You Pure in Heart (v. 1 -5)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: March of the King    Kayleen Yuda

Permissions

The Master Hath Come
Lani Smith
Tune: © 1984 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

On Christmas Night All Christians Sing
Text Trad. English carol
Public Domain
Tune SUSSEX CAROL English trad. Melody
Harm. Jonathan McNair, 1993
© 1991 the Pilgrim Press
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

The Streams of Babylon
Wihla Hutson
Tune: © 1979 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

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

Rejoice, You Pure in Heart
Text by Edward H. Plumptre, 1865
Public Domain
Tune MARION by Arthur H. Messiter, 1883
Public Domain

March of the King
Carl Simone
Tune: © 1984 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Important Dates

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

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

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, December 28, 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
Guest Pastor, Rev. Linda Petrucelli

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Prelude: O Come, All Ye Faithful       Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Linda Petrucelli

* Call to Worship: (based on Palm 148) Stefan Tanouye

Leader:   Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens and the heights!
People:  Praise God, all you angels, and all the heavenly host!

Leader:   Praise the LORD, sun and moon; praise God, shining stars!
People:  Praise God, highest heavens; praise the LORD, all the waters!

Leader:   Let them praise the LORD, who commanded their creation.
People:  Let us praise the LORD, who has created a home for all who live.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #129: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (v. 1-3)

* Invocation: (based on Hebrews 2:10-18)          Stefan Tanouye

We thank you, O God, because in Jesus you have chosen to call us ‘ohana and embrace us as kin. As we live through joy and woe, so have you. You have shared our flesh and blood and suffered for our sake. Merciful and faithful companion, bless us with your presence in this time of worship, and hear our grateful praise. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella  Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children           Rev. Linda Petrucelli

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23   Stefan Tanouye
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men,he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

 ‘A voice was heard in Ramah,
    wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
    she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’

 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazorean.’

Isaiah 63:7-9
I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,
    the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
because of all that the Lord has done for us,
    and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
    according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
 For he said, ‘Surely they are my people,
    children who will not deal falsely’;
and he became their savior
     in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
    but his presence that saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
    he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Sermon: Detours             Rev. Linda Petrucelli

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Linda Petrucelli

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 #148: What Child Is This (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Stefan Tanouye

We are blessed to appreciate and celebrate the gift of Jesus, whose love is greater than we can ever know. In this moment, let us celebrate with a gift that will help others experience God’s love, whether it comes through a prayer, a meal, a shelter, or a friend. 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: Infant Holy Infant Lowly 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, from the love we bear for you. You dared to take on human life with all its dangers; in these gifts we pray that you will receive some of humanity’s joys. Receive them, we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rite of Confirmation

Pastor: We invite to come forward those who wish to affirm their baptism by being confirmed.

Friends in Christ, we all are received into the church through the sacrament of baptism. These people have found support and nurture in the midst of the family of Christ. Through prayer and study they have been led by the Holy Spirit to affirm their baptism and to claim in our presence their covenantal relationship with Christ and the members of the church. They are here for service to Jesus Christ, using the gifts which the Holy Spirit bestows.

Hear the words of Jesus: I am the vine, you are the branches. Anyone who abides in me, and I in that person, is the one who bears much fruit. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Questions of the Candidates

Pastor: Do you desire to affirm your baptism into the faith and family of Jesus Christ?

Candidates: I do.

Pastor: Do you renounce the powers of evil and desire the freedom of new life in Christ?

Candidates: I do.

Pastor: Do you profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

Candidates: I do.

Pastor: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciple, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able?

Candidates: I promise, with the help of God.

Pastor: Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow in the Christian faith and to be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ, celebrating Christ’s presence and furthering Christ’s mission in all the world?

Candidates: I promise, with the help of God.

Pastor: Let us unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God. Do you believe in God?
All: I believe in God
Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
All: I believe in Jesus Christ.

Pastor: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

All: I believe in the Holy Spirit.

Prayer of the Candidates

Pastor and Candidates: O God, my God, known to me in Jesus Christ, I give myself to you as your own, to love and serve you faithfully all the days of my life.

Prayer of the Congregation

Pastor and Congregation: Almighty God, who in baptism received these your servants into the church, forgave their sins, and promised them eternal life, increase in them the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Grant love for others, joy in serving you, peace in disagreement, patience in suffering, kindness toward all people, goodness in evil times, faithfulness in temptation, gentleness in the face of opposition, self-control in all things. Thereby strengthen them for their ministry in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Act of Confirmation

Prayer of Confirmation

Question about Participation

Pastor: Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and the world?
Confirmands: I promise, with the help of God.

Greeting of Christian Love

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

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Linda Petrucelli

Benediction                      Rev. Linda Petrucelli

Postlude: Joy to the World      Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

IMPORTANT DATES

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
Guest Pastor Rev. Linda Petrucelli
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Vice Moderator Lorraine Davis
Lay Reader          Stefan Tanouye
Chapel Decorations   Cindy Debus
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, 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.