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.

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor
Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, Sabbatical Interim 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: Meditation on Let Us Break Bread Together           Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Leader:         O God, you have lifted us up.
People:        So empires of this galaxy will not enjoy our defeat.

Leader:         In our most desperate hour we cried to you:
People:        “Help us, O God! You are our only hope!”

Leader:         Hearing our cries for help, you healed us;
People:        Bringing us from Chaos, you restored our lives.

Leader:         May we be as Jedi trained to feel emotions, understand them, and let them go.
People:        For your anger, O God, lasts but a moment, while your graciousness lasts
                        a lifetime.

Leader:         Weeping lingers for a night,
People:        But joy comes with the morning.

Leader:         With Hula from Hawai’i, Siva from Samoa,
People:        Our spirits dance like Ewoks on Endor.

Leader:         You have transformed our lives from mourning to joy.
People:        May we give thanks, and praise God for ever and ever.

All:     Let us worship God!

* Hymn #223: What Wondrous Love Is This (v. 1-3)

Tenchi Kane No Kami – Divine Parent of the Universe –
Ikigami Konko Daijin – Divine Mediator –

Pray sincerely,
With all your heart.
Be one with Kami.

Kami’s blessings begin within
Hearts grateful and caring,
In harmony and joy.

Look to Kami always,
Now and forever,
On this very day, pray.

Please be seated

Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ He answered, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a visiona man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

In the community of the Chosen One, we do not tax our members. We look to our communal origins in which sharing possessions and resources was a core practice reflecting unity, generosity, and a belief in communal living. Believers sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to those in need. In that tradition, let us now gather our offerings toward bringing balance to the universe, seeking care for all creatures of the Creator. 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.

* 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

E ke Akua o ka lani, O God of heaven, with joy, we witness the miracles that you continue to perform through the power of your Holy Spirit. As the Risen Christ calls us to feed his lambs and tend his sheep, may we be a faithful congregation sent to feed people who are hungry and show kindness to those in need. Use our tithes and gifts in miraculous ways for the sake of Master Jesus. Amen.

* Hymn #337: Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether (v. 1-3)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

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

Announcements Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                               Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Elizabethan               Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

The Call to Worship, Call to Offering, and Offertory Prayer were written by the Rev. Mitchell Young for PAAM Sunday. Michelle Kuruma of the Konkokyo Church of San Francisco provided the Invocation. Provided by PAAM; used by permission.

Meditation
Richard A. Williamson
Tune: © 2023 Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved.
ASCAP Text: © 2023 Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved.
ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Elizabethan
Craig A. Penfield
Tune: © 2024 Lorenz Corporation
(Administered by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved. ASCAP
Text: © 2024 Lorenz Corporation
(Administered by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved. ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Important Dates

Mondays, 11:30 a.m. –Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
Ruth (rnduponte07@gmail.com) to sign up.

Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. Bible Study in person and via Zoom in the Pastor’s Study.

Save the Date! Saturday, May 17^th— Help is needed for our Service Day work from 8:30 to noon. We will be working primarily on cleaning the louvers and general dusting and tidying up in the sanctuary. If time permits, we will work on weeding around the campus. All ages are welcomed as there is an assortment of jobs to be done. Please join us in helping to beautify and maintain our campus!

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.

Service of Worship March 30, 2025
Fourth Sunday in Lent

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                           Rev. Dr. Diane Weible                                                         

* Call to Worship (Psalm 34)             Nalyn Ang

Leader:      I will bless the Lord at all times
People:     God’s praise shall continually be in my mouth!

Leader:      My soul makes its boast in the Lord.
People:     Let the humble hear and be glad.

Leader:      O magnify the Lord with me,
People:     And let us exalt God’s name together.

* Hymn #417: This Is a Day of New Beginnings

* Invocation                                              Nalyn Ang

In poverty and in plenty, we look to you, O God, the source of all good things. You have accepted us even when we cannot accept ourselves and have loved us when we are most unlovable. Help us in this hour to let go of all that separates us from you. Amen.

Please be seated

 WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Lead Kindly Light                  Nina Buchanan
                                                                        Peter Braun
                                                                        Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children                       Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21      Nalyn Ang
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

 So he told them this parable:

Then Jesussaid, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.

 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”’

Sermon: New Creation                          Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer                                      Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

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 #202: O God, How We Have Wandered

Call to Offering                                        Nalyn Ang

As stewards of all God has entrusted to our care we bring our offerings with a deep concern that they accomplish God’s will in the world. We hold one another accountable in our mutual service, and struggle together to discern more clearly the mission to which God calls us. Let us rededicate ourselves this morning with these offerings of love and gratitude.

Offertory: Breathe on Me, Breath of God   Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

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

* Offertory Prayer                                 Nalyn Ang

How grateful we are, O God, that you have claimed us and provided for us. In thanksgiving for your compassion, and in recognition of needs among your children that you call us to address, we bring our best in these offerings. Make us useful in your service. Amen.

*Hymn #476: My Life Flows on in Endless Song

Announcements             Rev. Dr. Diane Weible                                                         

Benediction                                              Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Postlude: Trumpet Tune and Air      Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Refresh My Heart, O God
Robert J. Powell
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

This Is a Day of New Beginnings
Brian Wren, 1978
Tune: BEGINNINGS
Carlton R. Young, 1987
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Lead Kindly Light
John Henry Newman
Public Domain

O God, How We Have Wandered
Lyrics by Kevin Nichols, 1980
Tune PASSION CHORALE by Hans Leo Hassler & J. S. Bach
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Breathe on Me, Breath of God
Nancy Folkerts
Tune: © Lorenz Corporation
(Administered by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved. ASCAP Text: © 2024
Lorenz Corporation
(Administered by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved. ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

My Life Flows on in Endless Song
Attrib. to Robert Lowry, 1869
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Trumpet Tune and Air
Martin Ellis
Tune: © 2024 Lorenz Corporation
(Administered by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved.
ASCAP Text: © 2024
Lorenz Corporation (Administered by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved. ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Important Dates

Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m. – Lenten Conversation Series in the Meeting Room (download the PDF file of the Worship Bulletin for more information)

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.

Service of Worship March 23, 2025
Third Sunday in Lent

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Ringing of the Bell

 WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Canon in D            Paul Arceo, trumpet 
                Andy Arceo, trumpet
                     Kayleen Yuda, pianist                                           

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13                      Mace Peng
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness.

Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.’ We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ^[b] to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Luke 13:1-9At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’ Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.”’

Sermon: No One is Immune                               Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Call to Offering                                                Mace Peng

* Please stand if you are able.

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Charles Wesley, 1747, alt.
John Zundel, 1855
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Prelude on “Cleansing Fountain”
James Mansfield
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Canon in D
Johann Pachelbel
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Come to Tend God’s Garden
Tune: Text: © 1992 John A. Dalles, 1992
Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams from
Enlarged Songs of Faith, 1931, 1925
© Oxford University Press.
All rights reserved.
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

According to Thy Gracious Word
Gilbert Martin
Tune: © 2009 Lorenz Corporation
(admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved.
ASCAP Text: © Lorenz Corporation
(admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved. ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Great Is Your Faithfulness
Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923
Text: © 1923, ren. 1951,
Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Come, Ye Faithful
Edward Broughton
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Special Announcement
Easter lily sign up for Easter Sunday chapel decorations is located in the breezeway and are available for $12.99 per plant. Please issue checks to Cynthia Debus; last day to order is Sunday, March 23^rd.

Important Dates

Mondays, 11:30 a.m. –Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or Ruth
808-938-3858 to sign up.

Tuesday, March 25, 3 p.m. — Bible Study, Pastor’s Study and online:
     ¨ 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
     ¨ Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Wednesdays, 12 noon –Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
Ruth 808-938-3858 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
Sabbatical Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. Diane Weible
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            Mace Peng
Chapel Decorations     Beverly Dodo 
Organist      Kayleen Yuda   
Guest Trumpeter           Paul Arceo
Guest Trumpeter           Andy Arceo
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy   
Hymn Leader   Chandra Oshima
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki,
            Mace Peng, Bob Smith
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn
Church Office Manager Pearl Momi Lyman

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

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, March 16, 2025. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship March 16, 2025
Second Sunday in Lent

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: The Penitent Heart         Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                              Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

* Call to Worship:                             Anne Sadayasu

Leader: The call of the Holy One has brought us together.
People: We have been called to pray and to praise.

Leader: We are called to worship and to holy wonder.
People: May the light of Love burn brightly in us.

Leader: May it transfigure and transform our hearts and minds.
People: May it become a beacon of hope for others.

* Hymn # #18: Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer (vs. 1-3)

* Invocation                                        Anne Sadayasu

God of mountaintops and valleys and everywhere in between, we thank you for meeting us where we are. We thank you also for leading us to this place of prayer and renewal. Enlighten our minds, radiate our hearts, and ready us for Your alive Word of Love. Let it shine in and through us, lighting a path of grace, hope, and joy. May the same transfiguring power, shown forth in Jesus Christ, also shine in us for the good of the world. Amen.

 WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Make Me A Channel of Your Peace   Nina Buchanan, soloist
                                                                                          Kayleen Yuda, pianist

Time with the Children                Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Scripture: Psalm 27                         Anne Sadayasu
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

 When the wicked advance against me
    to devourme,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.

 One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.

 Then my head will be exalted
    above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.

 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger;
    you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, Lord;
    lead me in a straight path
    because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
    for false witnesses rise up against me,
    spouting malicious accusations.

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.’ While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God

Sermon: Out of the Cloud               Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer                                Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

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 #183: Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain (vs. 1-3)

Call to Offering                                  Anne Sadayasu

The Lord is our light and salvation, we have no one to fear. From that place of abundant grace and light we come before God with deep gratitude. And in that spirit, we come forward with our gifts of open hearts, asking that they be blessed and used to spread light and love to all the corners of the world. 

Offertory: Father, We Praise Thee    Kayleen Yuda

* Doxology

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

* Offertory Prayer                           Anne Sadayasu

O Spirit of Life, shine on us again and again that we may become the blessing you intend. Keep awakening us to Your holy mystery and Your sacred call. Bless these gifts we bring so that Your energy of love may be shared with others and offer the light of a new beginning. By this, and more than we can name, continue to transfigure us and the world. Amen.

* Hymn #182: We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding (vs. 1-3)

Announcements                               Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Benediction                                        Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

May the Holy radiance of transfiguration continually light the wick of your life.

May it be a light that bears joy and hope and love.
May the voice of Jesus enter not only your ears but also your heart.

And may that voice shape your voice for the good of the world.
Blessings on you all! Amen and Amen.

Postlude: Praise Him! Praise Him!    Kayleen Yuda

Permissions:

Worship elements from On the Mountain to Pray: Service Prayers for Transfiguration Sunday Year C was written by the Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins, Conference Minister of the Heartland Conference of the United Church of Christ.

The Penitent Heart
Franklin Ritter
Tune: © 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer
William Williams, 1745
Vs.. 1, transl. Peter Williams, 1771
Vs. 2-3, transl. William Williams, 1772
Tune: CWM RHONDDA
John Hughes, 1907
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Make Me A Channel of Your Peace
Sebastian Temple
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain
Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1991
Tune: SILVER SPRING
Carl F. Schalk, 1991
Alternate tune: IRBY
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Father We Praise Thee
Benton Price
Tune: © 1968 Lorenz Publishing Company
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding
Carl P. Daw, Jr., 1988
Text © 1988, Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Special Announcement
Easter lily sign up for Easter Sunday chapel decorations is located in the breezeway and are available for $12.99 per plant. Please issue checks to Cynthia Debus; last day to order is Sunday, March 23^rd.

Important Dates

Today, March 16 – Council Meeting after worship in the lounge

Mondays, 11:30 a.m. –Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
Ruth 808-938-3858 to sign up.

Wednesdays, 12 noon –Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
Ruth 808-938-3858 to sign up.

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

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, March 9, 2025. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship March 9, 2025
First Sunday in Lent

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.

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

* Call to Worship (adapted from Psalm 91) Anna Kennedy

Leader: You who live in the shelter of the Most High
People: Who abide in the shadow of the Almighty

Leader: will say to our God, “My refuge and my fortress;
People: my God, in whom I trust

Leader: God, who commands the angels to guard us, also reminds us that:
People: Those who love me, I will deliver;

Leader: I will protect those who know my name.
People: When they call to me, I will answer them;

Leader: I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them
People: Let us worship the God who promises to always be with us.

* Hymn #84 This is the Day (vs. 1-3)

* Invocation                      Anna Kennedy

 WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Lord of the Dance     Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children    Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Scripture: Romans 10:8b-13  Anna Kennedy                                                     
But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was temptedby the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you carefully;
they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Sermon: Through the Wilderness    Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

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 #205: Forty Days and Forty Nights (vs. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Anna Kennedy

Deuteronomy 26:2 declares: “…you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name.”

How do we spend our “first fruits”- the best in which we have? Have we kept it for ourselves? Have we dedicated these gifts to God and shared them with our neighbors who lack basic necessities? How is God calling us to share the best we possess?

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         Anna Kennedy

Holy God, We share our gratitude for all of our fruits – from our possessions to knowledge and from our time to abilities. May our “best” be something that we do not hoard but that we freely give away. As we embrace this season of fasting and reflection, may we recognize the best of our talents, treasures, and time and share with God and neighbor. Amen.

* Hymn #209: O Love, How Vast, How Flowing Free (vs. 1-3)

Announcements             Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Benediction                      Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Postlude: Postlude         Kayleen Yuda                                               

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Prayer of Invocation adapted from Center for Faith and Giving, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 2025.

Offertory from Take Every Test: Service Prayers for the First Sunday of Lent C was written by the Rev. Michelle L. Torigian, Senior Pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, Illinois, 2022.

Prelude on Ellers
David H. Hegarty
Edward J. Hopkins
Tune: © Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

This is the Day
vs. 1 paraphr by Less Garrett, 1967
vs. 2-3, traditional, alt.
Tune: THIS IS THE DAY
Les Garrett, 1967
Streamed by permission CCLI License #1595965

Lord of the Dance
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Forty Days and Forty Nights
George Hunt Smyttan, 1856
Tune: HEINLEIN
attributed to Martin Herbst, 1676
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Cantilena
G Sammartini
George Blake
Tune: © 1983 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

O Love, How Vast, How Flowing Free
15th Century Latin Tune
New Century Hymnal, 1994
Text: © 1994, Pilgrim Press
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Postlude
César Franck
Public Domain

Dates to Remember

Saturday, March 15 – Service Day—your help is needed
The next service day sponsored by the Board of Trustees will be Saturday, March 15 at 8:30 am. This service day will be dedicated to the Building of Faith with emphasis on windows and screens, appliances and storage areas. Weather permitting, there will be weeding and grounds maintenance that falls outside the purview of our lawn services. Folks that want to make the place sparkle and shine are invited to meet in the back parking lot by the Building of Faith at 8:30 am. We need your time, talent and muscles to make this happen.  We hope to see you there.

Mondays, 11:30 a.m. –Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
Ruth 808-938-3858 to sign up.

Wednesdays, 12 noon –Pickleball lessons; contact Connie 808-936-7534 or
Ruth 808-938-3858 to sign up.

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 28 pledges for 68% 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
Sabbatical Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. Diane Weible
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            Anna Kennedy
Chapel Decorations     Genie Phillips
Organist      Kayleen Yuda        
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy   
Hymn Leader   Chandra Oshima
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki,
            Mace Peng, Bob Smith
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn
Church Office Manager Pearl Momi Lyman

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

Welcome to the live stream of worship from Church of the Holy Cross for Sunday, March 2, 2025. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship March 2, 2025
Transfiguration Sunday

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: Pastorale          Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Jonathan Roach, PhD

*Call to Worship             John Narruhn

Leader: Is anything too wonderful for God?
People: No, God gives us good beyond measure.

Leader: Is anything too difficult for the Lord?
People: No, what seems impossible for humans,

Leader: is possible with God. 
People: When we entertain Angels

Leader: We welcome God
People: When we welcome God

Leader: We welcome all the possibilities that God offers.
People: Let us worship the wonder and possibilities together.

* Hymn #541: They asked, “Who’s My Neighbor?” (vs. 1-4)

*Invocation                       John Narruhn

Holy Love, we worship you as your people. You tether us to the promise of angels and the hope of impossibility. Reveal your face to us. Let us see you in our midst, in our neighbors, and in ourselves.  Clothe us in love and a radical welcome that widens the circle to all. Amen

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem                               IYAA

Time with the Children

Scripture: Genesis 18: 1-16    John Narruhn
The Lord appeared to Abrahamby the oaksof Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’ So they said, ‘Do as you have said.’ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Make ready quickly three measuresof choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.’ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?’ The Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season and Sarah shall have a son.’ But Sarah denied, saying, ‘I did not laugh’; for she was afraid. He said, ‘Oh yes, you did laugh.’

Sermon: Entertaining Angels Rev. Jonathan Roach, PhD

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Jonathan Roach, PhD

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 #501: We are Dancing Sarah’s Circle (vs. 1-5)

Call to Offering                John Narruhn

Just as Sarah kneaded the bread and Abraham gathered the calf, we also are invited to bring our gifts to the gathering of angels in our midst. We are invited to share the blessings we have received with others that they may also experience God’s love and joy. May these gifts of our offerings and our very lives be used to serve God’s people in the places it is needed the most. Friends, let us give generously as a sign of gratitude for all we have been given. 

Offertory: Footsteps of Jesus  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

Abundant God, we laugh at what seems impossible. And then we remember that with you nothing is impossible. Receive our gifts this day that they may be multiplied by your love to do the impossible in the spaces where it is needed the most.

Sacrament of Holy Communion

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

* Hymn #81: God Be with You (vs. 1-4)

Announcements             Rev. Jonathan Roach, PhD

Benediction                      Rev. Jonathan Roach, PhD

Postlude: In Christ There is No East or West                                                Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Prayer of Invocation adapted from Cords of Love: Service Prayers for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost were written by Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology, United Church of Christ.

Pastorale
Giuseppe Sammartini
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

They Asked, “Who’s My Neighbor?”
Jan Wesson, 1981
Tune: NEIGHBOR
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

We Are Dancing Sarah’s Circle
Carole A. Etzler, 1975
Tune: JACOB’S LADDER
African-American spiritual
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Footsteps of Jesus
Asa B Everett
Tune: © 1990 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

God Be with You
Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1880
Tune: GOD BE WITH YOU
William G. Tomer, 1880
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

In Christ There is No East or West
Traditional American Melody
Dale Wood
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Dates to Remember

Today, March 2^nd – Trustees Meeting after worship in the lounge

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 28 pledges for 68% of our goal. Thank you to all who have already sent in pledges.

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

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
Sabbatical Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. Diane Weible
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            John Narruhn
Chapel Decorations      Irene Okada
Organist      Kayleen Yuda        
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy   
Hymn Leader   Chandra Oshima
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki,
            Mace Peng, Bob Smith
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn
Church Office Manager Pearl Momi Lyman

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, February 23, 2025. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship February 23, 2025
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor
Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, Sabbatical Interim 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: Message of Love                      Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

* Hymn #84 (NCH): This Is the Day (vs. 1-3)

* Invocation                                               Nina Buchanan

Holy One, you are deep within our world,
calling us to join you in creating
abundant life for all.
Open our hearts to recognize you
Free us to trust your call and follow;
Enable us to repent, and forgive,
and join in your work to make “all things new”.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: The Lord’s Prayer                    Marlise Ahuna

Time with the Children                          Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Scripture: Genesis 45:3-11, 15             Nina Buchanan
Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

 Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come closer to me.’ And they came closer. He said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither ploughing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, “Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.” And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

Luke 6:27-38

 ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Sermon: Really, God?                              Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer                                         Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

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 #23: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy (vs. 1-2)

Call to Offering                                          Nina Buchanan

Jesus reminds us that God works by a different economy. He tells us, “If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.” Friends, by this, joy is given space to rise. May we discover it growing in us as we bring our gifts to God.

Offertory: Grant Us Thy Peace             Kayleen Yuda

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

* Offertory Prayer                                    Nina Buchanan

Generous God, thank you for pressing Your holy love into the lap of our lives. Bless these gifts we bring that they may be multiplied into a good larger than we can imagine. Also, bless us, that we might live our lives in gratitude, sharing freely without expectation of return. Through this way of Jesus, stretch our hearts, minds, and lives into channels of Your Holy grace. Amen.

* Hymn #576: For the Healing of the Nations (vs. 1, 2, 4)

Announcements                                       Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Benediction                                                Rev. Dr. Diane Weible
Pastor: May you be blessed with the courage to interrupt revenge with love.
People: May you be strengthened with a gratitude that freely shares with others.

Pastor: May you discover again and again the merciful embrace of the Holy One.
People: And may the love of God, empower you to help change the world with forgiveness.

Pastor: Blessings on us all! Amen and Amen!

Postlude: Trumpet Air                             Kayleen Yuda

Message of Love
Louise E. Stairs
Tune: © Lorenz Publishing Company
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

This Is the Day
Les Garrett, 1967 (vs. 1)
Traditional, alt (vs. 2-3)
Tune: THIS IS THE DAY
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

The Lord’s Prayer
Public Domain

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Frederick William Faber, 1854
Tune: IN BABILONE
Dutch Melody
Arr. Julius Rontgen
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Grant Us Thy Peace
Contributors: Franklin Ritter, Robert Schumann
Tune © 1984 Lorenz Publishing Company
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

For the Healing of the Nations
Fred Kaan, 1965
Tune: WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Henry Purcell, c. 1680
Arr. Ernest Hawkins, 1842
Text: © 1968 Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Trumpet Air
Henry Purcell
Arr. Lani Smith
Tune: © 1970 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Dates to Remember

February 23, 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting, 11:30 AM, Sanctuary, after Worship Service in person or via Zoom (see The Weekly Chime (sent on February 18) for the Zoom meeting link).

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 28 pledges for 68% of our goal. Thank you to all who have already sent in pledges.

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

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, February 16, 2025. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship February 16, 2025
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor
Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, Sabbatical Interim 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:  Lamb of God                                             Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                                                          Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

* Call to Worship                                                              Peter Braun

Leader: Arise, shine; for your light has come
People: And the glory of our God has risen upon us.

Leader: God has pity on the weak and needy;
People: God redeems their life from oppression and violence.

Leader: Precious in God’s sight are the widows, widowers, and orphans of war;
People: Previous in God’s sight are the addicted and confused.

Leader: Precious in God’s sight are the abused and neglected;
People: Precious in God’s sight are the poor and desperate.

Leader: Precious in God’s sight are all who sit on the margins;
People: Precious in God’s sight are all who long for justice.

Leader: The glory of our God will rise upon them.
People: The glory of our God will rise upon us all.

* Hymn #72 (NCH): Sekai No Tomo (vs. 1 in Japanese, vs. 2-4 in English)

* Invocation                                                                   Peter Braun

Loving God, gather us in this space to worship you. Gather us in this space to praise you. Gather us in this space that we may be changed and renewed by your word and by the Holy Spirit. May our worship together change us and prepare us for the work ahead. May the light we received today be the light that we then are prepared to carry out into the world. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Time with the Children

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10                                     Peter Braun
Thus says the Lord:
Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals
    and make mere flesh their strength,
    whose hearts turn away from the Lord.
They shall be like a shrub in the desert,
    and shall not see when relief comes.
They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness,
    in an uninhabited salt land.

 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
    whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
    sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
    and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
    and it does not cease to bear fruit.

 The heart is devious above all else;
    it is perverse—
    who can understand it?
I the Lord test the mind
    and search the heart,
to give to all according to their ways,
    according to the fruit of their doings.

Luke 6:17-26

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

 Then he looked up at his disciples and said:

‘Blessed are you who are poor,
    for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
    for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
    for you will laugh.

‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame youon account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.

 ‘But woe to you who are rich,
    for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
    for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
    for you will mourn and weep.

 ‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

Sermon: Blessed are you…                                            Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer                                        Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

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 #170: Your Ways Are Not Our Own (vs. 1-5)

Call to Offering                                                  Peter Braun

* Offertory Prayer                                                 Peter Braun                                       

Loving God, you bless those who are oppressed and treated as the least. You call us to do the same. Bless us God and these gifts that we may share all we are and all we have with those who need it the most. We dedicate these gifts and our lives to you with praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

* Hymn #77: Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing (vs. 1-3)

Announcements                                                    Rev. Dr. Diane Weible                                    

Permissions

Lamb of God
Twila Paris
Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Sekai no Tomo (Here, O God, Your Servants Gather)
Text by Tokuo Tamaguchi, 1958
Trans. Everett M. Stowe, 1958
Tune TOKYO, Japanese gagaku mode
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Fanfare and March
Henry Purcell
arr. George Blake
Tune: © 1983 Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved.
ASCAP Text: © 1983 Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved. ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
Text attrib. to John Fawcett, 1775
Tune SICILIAN MARINERS 18^th cent. Sicilian melody
Public Domain

February 16, 2025 Open and Affirming (ONA) Panel Discussion, 11:30 AM, Building of Faith

February 23, 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting, 11:30 AM, Sanctuary, after Worship Service

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 28 pledges for 68% of our goal. Thank you to all who have already sent in pledges.

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

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
Sabbatical Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. Diane Weible
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            Peter Braun
Chapel Decorations      Hats Kamimura
Organist      Kayleen Yuda        
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy      
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki,
            Mace Peng, Bob Smith

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, February 9, 2025. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship February 9, 2025
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor
Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, Sabbatical Interim 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: Morning Has Broken                   Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                                                            Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

* Call to Worship                        Cindy Debus  

Leader: There is a good word for you if you are weary.
People: It is the Word of Love, deeper than every despair.

Leader: There is a good word if you have ever felt unworthy.
People: It is the Word of Hope, “Do not be afraid!”

Leader: There is a good word that needs to be heard.
People: It is the Word of Life, that raises up abundant blessings.

* Hymn #173: You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore (vs. 1-2, English)

* Invocation                                  Cindy Debus

Loving God, gather us anew into your net of love. Interrupt whatever overwhelms us with the gift of your renewing grace. Plumb every depth and reveal Your holy abundance. Let it awaken us to what you make possible when we risk answering your invitation to begin again. Gift us with the courage to trust the command of Christ to put out into the deep, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. Answer our trust with Your promised presence as we gather in the name of Jesus. Amen.

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Simple Gifts                 Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children          Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8              Cindy Debus

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.’

 The pivotson the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’

 Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraphtouched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’

Luke 5:1-11
Once while Jesuswas standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Sermon: Digging Deep              Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer                          Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

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 #593 (UMH): Here I am, Lord (vs. 1-3)

Call to Offering                            Cindy Debus

Just when he was at his wit’s end, Peter received the command of Christ, to let down his nets into the deep and trust what God can and will do. The result was a net-bursting catch. Jesus revealed the secret of a generous life. It requires trust that God can and will multiply our best efforts for a good deeper and wider than we can imagine. As we bring our gifts to God, may the same spirit that enlivened Jesus and surprised Peter be at work in us. And may it grow in us a deep joy!

Offertory: Offertoire                  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                                                            Cindy Debus

God of the bursting nets, we thank you for your abundant blessings, rising up at every turn. Multiply these gifts and our faith that your good news of life-giving love may stretch wider still. Yes, form us deep in Your heart for this good and gracious work. Amen.

* Hymn #448: Take My Life, God, Let It Be (vs. 1-4)

Announcements                         Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Benediction                                  Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Postlude:  God’s Trumpet Call            Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Morning Has Broken
Lani Smith
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore
Text and music © 1979 Cesáreo Gabaraín
Published by OCP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Simple Gifts
Mark Hayes
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Here I Am, Lord
Daniel L. Schutte, 1981 
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Offertoire
Theodore Dubois
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Take My Life, God, Let It Be
Frances R. Havergal, 1874 
Tune: VIENNA
Arr. Justin H. Knecht, 1797
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

God’s Trumpet Call
George Blake
Joseph W. Lerman
Tune: © 1978 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Dates to Remember

February 16, 2025 Open and Affirming (ONA) Panel Discussion, 11:30 AM, Building of Faith

February 23, 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting, 11:30 AM, Sanctuary, after Worship Service

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 28 pledges for 68% of our goal. Thank you to all who have already sent in pledges.

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

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
Sabbatical Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. Diane Weible
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            Cindy Debus
Chapel Decorations      Else Ushijima, the four Maeda children
In Memory of Ruth and Susumu Maeda
Organist      Kayleen Yuda        
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy      
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki,
            Mace Peng, Bob Smith

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, February 2, 2025. You will find the service outline below, and you may download and print the PDF to follow more easily. 

Service of Worship February 2, 2025
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor
Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, Sabbatical Interim 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: Let Us Break Bread Together                   Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                                                            Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

*Call to Worship:                                                            Ming Peng

Leader:   The Spirit of God is upon us!
People:  The Spirit of hope and joy!

Leader:   The Spirit of challenge and truth!
                  The Spirit of God is upon us, because God has anointed us
People:  To bring good tidings to the poor,

Leader:   To bind up the brokenhearted.
People:  God has anointed us

Leader:   To proclaim liberty to captives, to comfort the afflicted
People:  And to afflict the comfortable,

Leader:   To join our bodies with Christ in service and song.
All:           Alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit!

* Hymn #421: We Gather Together (v. 1-3)

*Invocation                                                                       Ming Peng

O God, you spoke your word and revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ. Fill all creation with that word again, so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples, we may become one living body, your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem                                                                              IYAA

Time with the Children                                              Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13                             
If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

Luke 4:21-30
Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.”’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Sermon: Courageous Love                                                   Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED                                                                            

Pastoral Prayer                                                              Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

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                                                                Ming Peng

The gifts we have received from God are abundant. With generous hearts and open Spirits to what God is doing in our lives we give that these gifts may also bring light and loves to others. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: A Song of Peace                                           Kayleen Yuda

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

*Offertory Prayer            Ming Peng
Holy One, receive these gifts as a symbol of our love and commitment, that it may become a beacon of light to illuminate your love throughout the world. Amen.

* Hymn #23: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy (v. 1-2)

Sacrament of Holy Communion
Invitation
Consecrating the Bread and Cup
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #451: Be Now My Vision (v.1-4)

Announcements                                                             Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Benediction                                                                      Rev. Dr. Diane Weible

Postlude: Herald of Peace                                            Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Reprinted from Rochelle A. Stackhouse, Before the Amen, Creative Resources for Worship, Maren C. Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirabassi, editors, 2007, The Pilgrim Press

Let Us Break Bread Together
Contributors: African-American Spiritual
Streamed by permission Pilgrim Press

We Gather Together
Text: Dutch folk hymn, 16^th Century
Transl. Theodore, Baker, 1894
Adapt. Lavon Bayler, 1992
Tune: KREMSER
16^th Century Dutch Meloday
Arr. Edward Kremser, 1877
Streamed by permission Pilgrim Press
Public Domain

Anthem:

A Song of Peace
Franklin Ritter
Tune: © 1995 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission Pilgrim Press

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Frederick William Faber, 1854
Tune: IN BABILONE
Dutch melody
Arr. Julius Rontgen, 1906
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890
Public Domain

Be Now My Vision
Ancient Irish text, c 8^th century
Mary E. Byrne, 1905
Tune: SLANE
Traditional Irish melody
Harm. David Evans, 1927
Streamed by permission Pilgrim Press
Public Domain

Herald of Peace
Robert J. Hughes
Tune: © 1980 Lorenz Publishing Company
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Dates to Remember

February 1 to April 30, 2025 Pastor Eric’s Sabbatical Leave; The Rev. Dr. Diane Weible will be our Interim Pastor

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 28 pledges for 68% of our goal. Thank you to all who have already sent in pledges.

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross

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
Sabbatical Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. Diane Weible
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            Ming Peng
Chapel Decorations      Ruth Ohata
Organist      Kayleen Yuda        
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy      
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Eli Yamaki,
            Mace Peng, Bob Smith