Worship for December 7, 2025

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.

Service of Worship December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: In the Bleak Mid-Winter    Kayleen Yuda                                               

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Moment of Concern

* Lighting of the Advent Candles    Roach family

Second Advent candle Bob Smith

Roach Family Member: What does a day of peace look like? To Isaiah, it was predators and prey sharing a home. It was a mountain on which nobody hurt or destroyed. To the Apostle Paul, it was a welcome of new people into a community united in joy and peace, believing in the love of Jesus Christ. To John the Baptist, it was a straight road and a new way of living, begun in repentance and continued in the Holy Spirit. What does peace look like to us?

All Sing:

When the wars of nations cease,
when the captives will find release,
we will welcome the Prince of Peace,
the babe who is the blessed child of Mary.

Tune: JOSEPH LIEBER, JOSEPH MEIN 7.8.8.11.

Family Member: In the first Advent candle, we lit a light for hope. In the second Advent candle, we kindle a light for peace. This light shines for all beneath the shadow of violence. This light shines for all those living in fear. This light shines for a world that is desperate for a true and lasting peace, one embracing every human soul. This light shines for Peace.

Unison prayer                

Holy and Gracious God, we are burdened with conflicts. Some arise within: We are torn between obligations, torn between desires, and yes, sometimes torn between temptations. Some arise without: when harsh words and even violence come to our homes, to our communities, to our neighbors. We are burdened with conflicts, O God, so bring us the wisdom to foster your peace, the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that will make a holy mountain where nobody hurts or destroys. Let the earth be as full of your knowledge, O God, as the waters cover the sea. Amen.

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

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Kot Epwe Ning Non Nang (Glory to God in Heaven)                               IYAA

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10         Bob Smith
A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse,
    and a branch shall grow out of his roots.The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
    the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the spirit of counsel and might,
    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
    or decide by what his ears hear;but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
    and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

 The wolf shall live with the lamb,
    the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
    and a little child shall lead them.The cow and the bear shall graze,
    their young shall lie down together;
    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
    and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.They will not hurt or destroy
    on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples;
the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,

‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight.”’

Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

 ‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’

Sermon: Towards Peace           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                Bob Smith

Today we dedicate our gifts to God, both those we have brought today or sent this week, but those we intend to give in the year to come. We have thought. We have prayed. We have sought God’s will. We have decided, and so we ask God to bless our choices. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: The Quiet Carol       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         Bob Smith

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

* Hymn #116: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (v. 1-2, 6-7)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation
Consecrating the Bread and Cup    
Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #115: The Baptist Shouts on Jordan’s Shore (v. 1-3, 6)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Shout the Glad Tidings      Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

In the Bleak Mid-Winter
John Innes
© 1989 Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

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

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

Kot Epwe Ning Non Nang (Glory to God in Heaven)
Trad. Chuukese hymn
Public Domain

The Quiet Carol
Ellen Jane Lorenz
Tune: © 1982 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Text: © 1982 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Text from Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, 1710
Trans. by John Mason Neale, 1851
Public Domain
Tune VENI EMMANUEL, 15th cent. French melody
Arr. by Thomas Helmore, 1854
Public Domain

The Baptist Shouts on Jordan’s Shore
Text by Charles Coffin, 1736
Trans. The New Century Hymnal, 1993
Tune WINCHESTER NEW, first pub. 1690
Used by permission of the Pilgrim Press

Shout the Glad Tidings
Carl Simone, Charles Avison
Tune: © 1989 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Important Dates

Today, December 7, 1 PM – Christmas caroling; meet at the Building of Faith to carpool, and return for supper. Also, please submit your pledge cards as part of Loyalty Sunday, and donations to the Christmas Fund are being dedicated.

Friday, Dec 12, 6 PM – Community Sing in the sanctuary

Friday, Dec 19, 6 PM – Community Concert in the sanctuary

Saturday, Dec 20, 4 PM – Sing Along Messiah in the sanctuary

Sunday, Dec 21, 10 AM – Christmas Pageant during Worship Service

Wednesday, Dec 24, 7 PM – Christmas Eve 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.

Christmas Poinsettias – Please sign up by December 10th at $17 each. Contact Cindy
Debus at 808-895-4011 if you have questions.

Chapel Decorations for 2026 – Please contact Cindy Debus at 808-895-4011 if you are able to grace our Sunday services with a donated floral arrangement for the chancel area.

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

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

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross
The United Church of Christ, Pohnpei –
Sanctuary, 12 noon
            Rev. Bensis Henry
Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa
– Sanctuary, 2:00 p.m.
            Rev. Sitau Ofoia, Jr.

The Bedesta Church – Sanctuary, 4 p.m.   
Rev.  Edmes Edwin

Pastor          Rev. Eric S. Anderson
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            Bob Grove
Advent Candle Lighting The Roach Family
Chapel Decoration      Beverly Dodo
Organist      Kayleen Yuda        
Choir Director Bob Grove
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy   
IYAA Music Director Stuart Mori
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Bob Smith, Gloria Kobayashi
            Mace Peng, Woody Kita, Cindy Debus
Streaming Sound Director Ben Yamaki
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn

Worship for November 30, 2025

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 November 30, 2025
First Sunday of Advent

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: O Come, O Come Emmanuel         Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Moment of Concern

* Lighting of the Advent Candles    Mori family

First Advent candle.     Christian Albano

Family Member:   The Scriptures are filled with visions. Some prophets looked ahead to tragedy, and others to triumph. Isaiah envisioned a world unlike the one in which he lived, filled with sickness and war. “They shall beat their swords into plowshares,” he wrote, “and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” He never saw such a day. He hoped for it. We hope for such a day to come soon.

All Sing:

Share with us a wondrous seed
that will blossom in time of need.
The bloom of hope will sustain us here
as we await the blessed child of Mary.

Tune: JOSEPH LIEBER, JOSEPH MEIN 7.8.8.11.

Family Member:   With this first Advent candle, we kindle a light for hope. This light shines for those lost in shadow. This light shines for those oppressed in spirit. This light shines for those who can no longer imagine a better day. This light shines for hope.

Unison Prayer                 Christian Albano

Holy and Gracious God, restore the hopes of those who despair. Revive the fainting spirits, the suffering hearts. Reply to the near-silenced prayers so that all may see there is reason for hope. Feed our hope for love with love, in the name of the One who came to meet all hopes, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise         Bell Choir

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5  Christian Albano
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

 In days to come
    the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
    and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
    Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
    and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
    and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
    and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
    neither shall they learn war any more.

O house of Jacob,
    come, let us walk
    in the light of the Lord!

Romans 13:11-14
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Sermon: Hope Worth Hoping For     Rev. Eric S. Anderson                           

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Special Litany for Helani Congregational Church

Pastor: When we see ashes where there was once beauty,
People: God of hope, rebuild us in love.

Pastor: When we hear silence where there was once song,
People: God of hope, sing again through us.

Pastor: When our hearts are heavy and our strength feels small,
People: God of hope, lift us by your Spirit.

Pastor: When a church is wounded, the whole-body aches.
People: Let our shared prayers and gifts become healing balm.

Pastor: As we give, may we give from the heart; as we pray, may we believe in miracles.
All: O God of resurrection hope, rebuild your house at Helani and in every heart that seeks you. ʻĀmene.

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 #102: O How Shall I Receive You (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Christian Albano

Through many people over the centuries, God has offered hope to those who desperately needed a better day. And through many people over the centuries, God has fulfilled that hope through those who followed the Divine call. Let us maintain hope. Let us fulfill hope with our offerings. 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         Christian Albano

O God who sees the future, accept these gifts. May they contribute to the peace, joy, and love of the world. Amen.

* Hymn #103: Watcher, Tell Us of the Night (v. 1-3)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: O Blessed Emmanuel         Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Marianne Kim
Tune: © 2022 Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved ASCAP
Text: © 2022 Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

We Yearn, O Christ, for Wholeness
Text by Dosia Carlson, 1986
© 1986, 1993 by Dosia Carlson
Streamed by permission of the family
Tune PASSION CHORALE by Hans Leo Hassler, 1601
Harm. by J. S. Bach, 1719
Public Domain

Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise
Tune ST DENIO, trad. Welsh melody
Arr. by Bill Ingram
© 2001 the Choristers Guild
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

O How Shall I Receive You
Text by Paul Gerhardt, 1653
Trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1863
Tune ST. THEODULPH by Melchior Teschner, 1615
Public Domain

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

Watcher, Tell Us of the Night
Text by John Bowring, 1825
Tune ABERYSTWYTH by Joseph Parry, 1879
Public Domain

O Blessed Emmanuel
Johann Sebastian Bach
Tune: © Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation (Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, November 30 – Board of Stewardship and Mission 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.

Sunday, December 7, 1:00 PM – Christmas caroling: meet at Building of Faith to carpool, and return for supper.

Wednesday, December 10 – Deadline to order Christmas poinsettia plants ($17) for Christmas Eve service. Contact Cindy Debus.

Saturday, December 22, 4:00 PM – The Sing Along Messiah in the sanctuary.

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.

Tuesdays, 4:00 PM – Holy Cross Singers Rehearsal in the Lounge

Wednesdays, 11:00 AM– One Song from Church of the Holy Cross streamed live

Wednesdays, 5 PM – Bible Study in Pastor’s Study and via Zoom (The meeting link and Bible references will be in the Weekly Chime).

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          Christian Albano
Chapel Decorations   Hats Kamimura
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

Worship for November 23, 2025

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 November 23, 2025
Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Crown Him      Rick Mazurowski

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship:(based on Luke 1:68-79)          Jennifer Tanouye

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

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

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

All:           Let us worship God!

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

* Invocation (based on Psalm 46)    Jennifer Tanouye

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

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: The King of Glory      Rick Mazurowski

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

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

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

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

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

Sermon: Righteous Shepherd Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in the Lord’s Prayer         
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen

* Hymn #304: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Jennifer Tanouye

Jesus offered us, then gave us, more than we could ever ask or expect. He gave us all of himself; he held nothing back. As we make our gifts today, we will not give everything; we are not the Messiah. But let us give what lifts our hearts, and let us give what will lift others’ souls. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: The Lord’s My Shepherd Rick Mazurowski

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

* Offertory Prayer         Jennifer Tanouye

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

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

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

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

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IMPORTANT DATES

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.

Tuesdays, 4:00 PM – Holy Cross Singers Rehearsal in the Lounge

Wednesdays, 11:00 AM– One Song from Church of the Holy Cross streamed live

Wednesdays, 5 PM – Bible Study in Pastor’s Study and via Zoom (The meeting link and Bible references will be in the Weekly Chime).

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          Jennifer Tanouye
Chapel Decorations   Connie Yoshiyama
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Guest Organist Rick Mazurowski
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

Worship for November 16, 2025

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 November 16, 2025
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Christians We Have Met to Worship      Bob Grove

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

*Call to Worship: (based on Isaiah 12:1-6)          Mace Peng

Leader:   The day will come when we will say, “Thank you, O God!
People:  “You were angry with me, but now you open your heart and you comfort me.”

Leader:   Surely God is my salvation. I will trust and not fear.
People:  The LORD is my strength, my might, and my salvation.

Leader:   Sing praises to the LORD who has done marvels; let it be known in all the earth.
People:  We will sing and shout for joy, for great in our midst is the Holy One, our God!

All:           Let us worship God!

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

* Invocation (based on Psalm 98)    Mace Peng

We sing our songs to you, O God, the old songs of our childhood and the new songs that rise from your salvation. You have remembered your steadfast love for us. All the ends of the Earth have seen your faithfulness. Let the sea roar and all that fills it. Let the floods clap their hands and the hills sing for joy. Judge the world with righteousness, O God, and the peoples with equity. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Inspired to Do Well  Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson                                               

Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25      Mace Peng
For I am about to create new heavens
    and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
    or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
    in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
    and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
    and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
    or the cry of distress.
 No more shall there be in it
    an infant that lives but a few days,
    or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
    and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
    they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
    they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
    and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
 They shall not labor in vain,
    or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—
    and their descendants as well.
 Before they call I will answer,
    while they are yet speaking I will hear.
 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
    the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
    but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
    on all my holy mountain,
says the Lord

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

Sermon: An Example to Imitate         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 #513: O Source of All That Is (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Mace Peng

God has called us to work, not just for our daily needs, but so that we can bless others. Some have greater resources than we do, and they should work alongside us. Others have more needs than means, and so we work to share our gifts with them. 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 in D          Bob Grove

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

*Offertory Prayer          Mace Peng

Gracious God, accept these gifts, we pray, so that those who need a lift in spirit, or an embrace of heart, or the nourishment of the body may find it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #533: Children of God (v. 1-4)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: We Are God’s People         Bob Grove

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

Christians We Have Met to Worship
Mark Hayes
Tune: © 2012 Lorenz Corporation
(admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved.
ASCAP Text: © 2012 Lorenz Corporation
(admin. by Music Services)
All Rights Reserved. ASCAP
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Come, Labor On
Text by Jane Laurie Borthwick, 1859
Public Domain
Tune ORA LABORA by Thomas Tertius Noble, 1918
Public Domain

Inspired to Do Well
Text and Tune by Eric Anderson, 2025
© 2025 by Eric Anderson
Streamed by permission

O Source of All That Is
Text by Johann Heermann, 1630
Trans. by Madeleine Forell Marshall, 1993
Tune O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT, first pub. 1693
Public Domain

Offertory in D
Edward Broughton
Tune: © 1972 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Children of God
Text by John Greenleaf Whittier, 1848
Tune WELWYN by Alfred Scott-Gatty, 1900
Public Domain

We Are God’s People
Johannes Brahms, Fred Bock
All rights reserved.
Used by Permission.
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, November 16 – Board of Deacons meeting after Worship Service

Today, November 9 – Deacons Meeting after worship 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.

Tuesdays, 4:00 PM – Holy Cross Singers Rehearsal in the Lounge

Wednesdays, 11:00 AM– One Song from Church of the Holy Cross streamed live

Wednesdays, 5 PM – Bible Study in Pastor’s Study and via Zoom (The meeting link and Bible references will be in the Weekly Chime).

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          Mace Peng
Chapel Decorations   Moira Tanaka
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

Worship for November 9, 2025

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 November 9, 2025
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Morning Has Broken           Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21)  Lorraine Davis

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

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

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

All:           Let us worship God!

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

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

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

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: He Leadeth Me           Kayleen Yuda

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9 Lorraine Davis

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

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

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

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

Sermon: Shaken and Reshaken          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in the Lord’s Prayer         
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen

* Hymn #446: Jesus, Still Lead On (v. 1-4)

Call to Offering                Lorraine Davis

In hard times, it can be hard to remember that others suffer hard times, too. Sometimes they’re doing better than we are, and sometimes they are doing worse. Let us today make the gifts that we can from our poverty or our wealth, so that others may know that they are remembered, valued, and loved. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory:  Peace Shall Come  Kayleen Yuda

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

* Offertory Prayer         Lorraine Davis

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

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

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Sing a New Song of Joy      Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

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

I’m Pressing on the Upward Way
Text by Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1892
Tune HIGHER GROUND by Charles H. Gabriel, 1898
Public Domain

He Leadeth Me
Public Domain

Jesus, Still Lead On
Text by Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1721
Trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1846
Tune SEELENBRAUTIGAM by Adam Drese, 1698
Public Domain

Peace Shall Come
David Paxton
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

In the Bulb There Is a Flower
Text by Natalie Sleeth, 1985
© 1985 by Hope Publishing Company
Tune PROMISE by Natalie Sleeth, 1985
© 1985 by Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Sing a New Song of Joy
Hugh S. Livingston
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890       

IMPORTANT DATES

Today, November 9 – Council meeting after Worship Service

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

Wednesdays, 5 PM – Bible Study in Pastor’s Study and via Zoom (The meeting link and Bible references will be in the Weekly Chime).

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross
The United Church of Christ, Pohnpei –
Sanctuary, 12 noon
            Rev. Bensis Henry
Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa
– Sanctuary, 2:00 p.m.
            Rev. Sitau Ofoia, Jr.

The Bedesta Church – Sanctuary, 4 p.m.   
Rev.  Edmes Edwin

Pastor          Rev. Eric S. Anderson
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Vice Moderator Lorraine Davis
Lay Reader          Lorraine Davis
Chapel Decorations   Jean Tanouye, Kelly & Stefan Tanouye families,
In memory of Kenneth & Kenny Tanouye
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Choir Director Bob Grove
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy 
IYAA Choir Director Stuart Mori  
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Live Stream Director         Ruth Niino-DuPonte. Bob Smith 
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Bob Smith, Woody Kita,
            Mace Peng, Cindy Debus
Sound Engineer Ben Yamaki
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn

Worship for November 2, 2025

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.

Service of Worship November 2, 2025
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Lord Look Kindly Upon Us             Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 32:1-7)         Nalyn Ang

Leader:   Happy are those whose fault is forgiven, whose sin is set aside.
People:  Happy are those whom the LORD views as righteous, whose spirits do not deceive.

Leader:   When God’s hand was heavy upon us, we groaned all day long.
People:  When we confessed our transgressions, the LORD forgave our sin.

Leader:   Therefore let us offer our prayers to the LORD.
People:  God is a hiding place for us in trouble, surrounding us with glad cries of deliverance.

All:           Let us worship God!

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

* Invocation: (based on Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4) Nalyn Ang

You have summoned us to our watching-post, O God, to look at the evils of the world, and to look for signs of relief. We have seen law become slack. We have seen justice suppressed. Send us your vision for a blessed and redeemed world, O God. Come to us and do not delay as we raise our prayers to you in this time of worship. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Festival Prelude on Thaxted for Trumpet and Organ

Kayleen Yuda, piano
Paul Arceo, trumpet

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-18         Nalyn Ang
 Hear the word of the Lord,
    you rulers of Sodom!
Listen to the teaching of our God,
    you people of Gomorrah!
What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?
    says the Lord;
I have had enough of burnt-offerings of rams
    and the fat of fed beasts;
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
    or of lambs, or of goats.

When you come to appear before me,[a]
    who asked this from your hand?
    Trample my courts no more;
bringing offerings is futile;
    incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation—
    I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity.
Your new moons and your appointed festivals
    my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me,
    I am weary of bearing them.
When you stretch out your hands,
    I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
    I will not listen;
    your hands are full of blood.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
    remove the evil of your doings
    from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
    learn to do good;
seek justice,
    rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
    plead for the widow.

 Come now, let us argue it out,
    says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be like snow;
though they are red like crimson,
    they shall become like wool.


Luke 19:1-10
He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’

Sermon: Have a Paddle             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                Nalyn Ang

Sometimes we are up the tree, straining to see Jesus. Then we need support. Sometimes we are at the bottom of the tree, and those descending to join us need our aid. Our offerings make a difference in the lives of those who seek a change for the better. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Presence Divine      Kayleen Yuda

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

* Offertory Prayer         Nalyn Ang

We offer you these gifts, O God, so that those in trouble may have help, so that those in spiritual need may have support, and so that those who need a word of hope may hear it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #331: Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life (v. 1-3)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

Consecrating the Bread and Cup    

Prayer of Thanksgiving

* Hymn #547: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (v. 1-5)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken   Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Lord Look Kindly Upon Us
Donald Lee Moore
Tune: © 1982 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
Text by Fanny Crosby, 1868
Tune PASS ME NOT by William H. Doane, 1870
Public Domain

Festival Prelude on Thaxted for Trumpet and Organ
© 2009 Birnamwood Publications (ASCAP),
a division of MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc.
All rights reserved
David Howard Pettit
Tune: Based on THAXTED, Gustav Holst, 1874-1934,
adapted from The Planets, Op. 32 and written between 1914 and 1916 (PD).
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Presence Divine
Lani Smith
Tune: © 1980 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
Text by George Herbert, 1633
Tune THE CALL by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1911
Public Domain

Amazing Grace
Text by John Newton, 1779
Tune AMAZING GRACE Columbia Harmony, 1829
Arr. by Edwin O. Excell, 1900
Public Domain

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
Robert J Hughes
Tune: © 1980 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Important Dates

Today, November 2 – Board of Trustees meeting after Worship Service in the Lounge

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

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

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross
The United Church of Christ, Pohnpei –
Sanctuary, 12 noon
            Rev. Bensis Henry
Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa
– Sanctuary, 2:00 p.m.
            Rev. Sitau Ofoia, Jr.

The Bedesta Church – Sanctuary, 4 p.m.   
Rev.  Edmes Edwin

Pastor          Rev. Eric S. Anderson
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            Nalyn Ang
Chapel Decoration      Maryann Katayama
Organist      Kayleen Yuda        
Guest Trumpeter Paul Arceo
Choir Director Bob Grove
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy   
IYAA Music Director Stuart Mori
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Bob Smith,
            Mace Peng, Woody Kita, Cindy Debus
Streaming Sound Director Ben Yamaki
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn

Worship for October 26, 2025

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 October 26, 2025
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: For All the Saints, Prelude on “Sine Nomine”                   Kayleen Yuda, piano
                                                                                                        Paul Arceo, trumpet

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                                                        Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 149)                      Anne Sadayasu

Leader:   Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song.
People:  Let us sing God’s praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Leader:   Be glad in God your maker; rejoice that the Creator rules.
People:  Let us praise God’s name with dancing, making melody with strings and
                        pipes.

Leader:   The LORD takes pleasure in you, God’s people.
People:  We rejoice in the victory of the humble through the grace of God.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #295: I Sing a Song of the Saints of God (v. 1-3)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 84:1-7)                               Anne Sadayasu

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD! Our souls long for your home, and the home of those whom we have loved and who are gathered to you. Happy are they who love with you and sing your praise! May we echo them in this time of worship. May we bring to you a harmony of loving memory, one that continues until we are gathered together once again with you. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Kuta Ei (Look for Me)                                IYAA

Time with the Children                                             Rev. Eric S Anderson

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11-23                                   Anne Sadayasu
In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Luke 6:20-31
Then he looked up at his disciples and said:

 ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on 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.

 ‘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.

Sermon: Remembered                                             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

ALL SAINTS DAY CANDLE LIGHTING

We remember those Members and Friends of the Church of the Holy Cross who have gone from our care to God’s in the past year.

Rev. Shirley Anderson                Rev. George Conklin                Rev. Karl Duetzmann
Paul Hamasaki                            Mutsu Hamasaki                     Zack “Roku” Kanekuni
Rev. Charles Kaupiko                  Jennie Kondo                          Ben Masutomi
Mary Matayoshi                         Chiyoko Nakamura                 Greg Nakamura
Kimie Okamoto                          Amy Saito                               Thelma Sato
Joanne Yamauchi                       Sachiko Yanagihara

As each name is read, our church bell will be tolled and a candle lit in remembrance of each person’s life and in thanks for their new life in Christ. After these names are read the congregation is invited to come forward and light a candle in memory of their loved ones.

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 #11: Bring Many Names (v. 1-6)

Call to Offering                                                        Anne Sadayasu

We have lit candles for people who gave us their hearts. Let us give our hearts to God in their honor, and with our hearts, let us present our offerings. 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: Recitative for Flutes                                Kayleen Yuda, piano

* 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

These gifts do not match what our saints have given us, O God, let alone what you have given us. Accept them, we pray, not as payment, but as pledge that we will live as saints in celebration of those who have loved us so long and so well. Amen.

* Hymn #299: For All the Saints (v. 1-4)

Please be seated

Announcements                                    Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: God of Our Fathers               Kayleen Yuda, piano
                                                              Paul Arceo, trumpet

* Please stand if you are able.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AFTER WORSHIP

PERMISSIONS

For All the Saints
Prelude on Sine Nomine
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
Text by Lesbia Scott, 1929
© by Lesbia Scott
Tune GRAND ISLE by John H. Hopkins, 1940
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Kuta Ei (Look for Me)
Text by Pastor Paul Otoko
Tune by Rusty Goodman, ASCAP
Streamed by permission CCS License #13303

Bring Many Names
Text by Brian Wren, 1989
© 1989, 1994 by Hope Publishing Co.
Tune WESTCHASE by Carlton Young, 1989
© 1989 by Hope Publishing Co.
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Recitative for Flutes
David Paxton
Tune: © 1985 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

For All the Saints
Text by William W. How, 1864
Tune SINE NOMINE by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
Public Domain

God of Our Fathers
Robert J Hughes
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Sunday, Oct 26, 10 AM – There will be an All Church meeting after worship – church members, please attend in person or via Zoom (watch for the link soon.)

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

Wednesdays, 5 PM – Bible Study in Pastor’s Study and via Zoom (The meeting link and Bible references will be in the Weekly Chime).

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          Anne Sadayasu
Reader Faith Mishina
Chapel Decorations   Doreen Lucas, In Memory of Cheryl Tokihiro
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Guest Trumpeter Paul Arceo
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

Worship for October 19, 2025

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 October 19, 2025
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty  Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                            Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 119:97-104)                                                Nina Buchanan

Leader:   Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies.
People:  Your guidance is always in my heart.

Leader:   I know more than my teachers,
People:  Because I reflect on your decrees.

Leader:   I understand more than the kupuna,
People:  For I keep your ways. How sweet are the words of God in my mouth!

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #466: Unto the Hills We Lift Our Longing Eyes (v. 1-4)

* Invocation (based on Psalm 121)  Nina Buchanan

We lift our eyes to the hills, O God, and search for your help. Come to us, for our feet are shaky, and we fear you sleep while we are fearful. Be our shade, keep us safe, protect us even from the hazards of the skies and the evils of the earth. Keep us as we go in and as we come out on this day and in every day to come. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: You’ve Got to Hold On         Rev. Eric Anderson

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-31
The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’ So he said to him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Jacob.’ Then the man said, ‘You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.’ Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.’ The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.

Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.”’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’

Sermon: Out of Joint      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 #5: Praise to God (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Nina Buchanan

How do we improve the world around us? Not by demanding things of it or extorting things from our neighbors. We improve the world we give, when we strive, when we encourage, and when we organize. 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: Meditation    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

We thank you, O God, for the ways in which you guide us through life and through the world, even when they cause us consternation, even pain. We thank you, and we offer you these gifts as we continue our journey as your people. Amen.

* Hymn #82: Go, My Children, with My Blessing (v. 1-2)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson     

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Lead On, O King Eternal   Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Lani Smith
Tune: © 1994, Lorenz Publishing
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Unto the Hills We Lift Our Longing Eyes
Text by John Campbell, Duke of Argyll, 1877
Tune SANDON by Charles Henry Purday, 1860
Public Domain

You’ve Got to Hold On
Text and music by Eric S Anderson
Streamed by permission of the composer

Praise to God
Text by Nobuaki Hanaoka, 1980
English trans. © 1983, Abingdon Press
Tune SAKURA, trad. Japanese melody

Meditation
Wihla Hutson
Tune: © 1982 Lorenz Publishing Company,
A division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Harmony by Jonathan McNair, 1993
© 1993 by the Pilgrim Press
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

My Children, with My Blessing
Text by Jaroslav Vajda, 1983, 1990
© 1983, 1990 Jaroslav Vajda
Tune AR HYD Y NOS trad. Welsh melody
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Lead On, O King Eternal
Edward Broughton
Henry T. Smart
Tune: © 1985 Lorenz Publishing Company,
A division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, Oct 17, 6 PM – Community Sing in the sanctuary. Come and meet Bob Grove, our Choir Director!

Friday, Oct 24, 6 PM – Community Concert in the sanctuary.

Sunday, Oct 26, 10 AM – All Saints Sunday – please submit names of your loved ones who have passed on from our care to God’s since October 2024. There will be an All Church meeting after worship that Sunday – church members, please attend in person or via Zoom (watch for the link soon.)

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

Wednesdays, 5 PM – Bible Study in Pastor’s Study and via Zoom (The meeting link and Bible references will be in the Weekly Chime).

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          Nina Buchanan
Chapel Decorations   Shirley Miyake
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
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

Worship for October 5, 2025

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.

Service of Worship October 5, 2025
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Let Us Break Bread Together       Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Introit: For All the Saints          Bell Choir

Welcome: Pastor             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 37:1-9)       John Narruhn

Leader:   Trust in the LORD and do good. Live in the land and enjoy God’s bounty.
People:  Take delight in the LORD, who fulfills the needs of your heart.

Leader:   Commit your way to the LORD. Trust God, and God will act.
People:  Even so will the justice of our cause shine like the noonday sun.

Leader:   Be still before the LORD. Wait patiently for God.
People:  The wicked will not profit from their deeds; God’s people will inherit the land.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #496: Ekolu Mea Nui (Three Greatest Things) (v. 1-2)

* Invocation (based on Lamentations 3:19-26) John Narruhn

Our spirits are weighed down, O God, by the cares of our lives. Yet this we recall, and this brings us to this place and time: your steadfast love never ceases, and your mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! We wait and worship, O God, our souls reach out for you. Come to us in this time of worship and renew us in body, mind, and spirit. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: The Heart of Worship          IYAA

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4     John Narruhn
The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.

 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
    and you will not listen?
Or cry to you ‘Violence!’
    and you will not save?
Why do you make me see wrongdoing
    and look at trouble?
Destruction and violence are before me;
    strife and contention arise.
So the law becomes slack
    and justice never prevails.
The wicked surround the righteous—
    therefore judgment comes forth perverted.

 I will stand at my watch-post,
    and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me,
    and what he will answer concerning my complaint.
Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
    make it plain on tablets,
    so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
    it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
    it will surely come, it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
    Their spirit is not right in them,
    but the righteous live by their faith


Luke 17:5-10

The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you.

 ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!”’

Sermon: Prepare Supper          Rev. Eric S. Anderson

WE RESPOND IN WORD AND DEED

Pastoral Prayer              Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please join me in the Lord’s Prayer         
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen

Call to Offering                John Narruhn

We are not idle creations; we are active participants. The Creator God has asked us to contribute to the blessing of the world. Let today’s offering be a part, a small part, of your work as a follower of Christ. 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: Elegy               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 called us to prepare meals, to lay tables, and to serve our neighbors, O God. May these gifts feed them in body, mind, and spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Hymn #332: As We Gather at Your Table (v. 1-3)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

Eric Anderson: It was on a Sunday that Jesus Christ was raised from death by the power of God, appearing to several of his followers and friends. Mary Magdalene saw him and so did Simon Peter. Jesus walked the road to Emmaus with two of his disciples, but they did not recognize him until they joined him at a table where Jesus Christ broke bread.

Jonathan Roach: On this World Communion Sunday, come from the four corners of the world to gather about this table. Come brief in days and long in years. Come from your loves and successes and from your losses and sorrows. Come aware that the mountain is holy and the ocean is holy and the growing things are holy and the birds of the air are holy. Come to learn once more that Jesus of Nazareth called his disciples to name as holy the most common food and the most common drink, to remember is life, death, and resurrection.

Consecrating the Bread and Cup    

Eric Anderson: On this World Communion Sunday, let us come to God for the breaking of the bread. Let us pray:

People: God of vast creation, God of heaven and earth, we thank you for the bread of life.

Jonathan Roach: We recall the time when you preserved the children of Israel by leading them to Egypt, where your prophet Joseph had gathered grain.

People: There on our Communion table, O God, is bread baked from wheat to keep us whole and sound.

Eric Anderson: We recall the time when they fled slavery into a barren land, and you fedthem with your manna.

People: There on our Communion table, O God, is rice, which nourishes so many hungry people every day.

Jonathan Roach: We recall the time your people found a promised land, rejoicing in its plenty.

People: There on our Communion table, O God, is banana bread, in which we taste the sweetness of life.

Eric Anderson: We recall the time when Israel received its law from you, a law that extended justice to the stranger and sojourner.

People: There on our Communion table, O God, is tortilla, which is the bread of so many newcomers to our nation.

Jonathan Roach: We recall the time when Israel was taken into exile, and they sought to worship you in a new land.

People: There on our Communion table, O God, is ulu, breadfruit, which has nourished Polynesian peoples wherever they have traveled.

Eric Anderson: We recall that in your wisdom and mercy, O God, you have never left your people hungry when your Spirit might provide.

People: There on our Communion table, O God, is poi from taro root, which keeps our bodies rooted in the land.

Jonathan Roach: And we recall, O God, that when your people were starved for your Spirit, you sent us Jesus, to fill us and make us whole.

People: There on our Communion table, O God, is an empty bowl, which reminds of the hungry we still yearn to feed, and reminds us of the love of Christ which fills our souls from depth to height.

Eric Anderson: God, bless the meeting of hunger and generosity in all places. Bless the memories of all that is Holy Land, the place of Jesus’ lineage and Passover custom, the land under our feet, all land remembered, all land honored, all land with justice.

Jonathan Roach: Bless all that is Communion but especially what we take into body and spirit, so that you can live and walk, sit, roll with us. Fill our bodies and spirits with strength, guidance, inspiration, and love, through this holy meal. Amen.

Eric Anderson: Through the broken bread we participate in the Body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, we give you this bread.

Jonathan Roach: Through the cup which we bless we participate in the new life Christ brings. In Jesus’ name, we give you this cup.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Jonathan Roach: God, we thank you for refreshing us at your table by granting us the presence of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and in peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.

* Hymn #540: We Plant a Grain of Mustard Seed (v. 1, 4-6)

Please be seated

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Scherzo           Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

Permissions

Let Us Break Bread Together
African American Traditional
Streamed by permission CCLI License #1595965

Ekolu Mea Nui (Three Greatest Things)
Text by Robert Nawahine
Tune NAWAHINE by Robert Nawahine
Arr. by Martha Hohu, 1971
Arr. © 1972 the Hawai’i Conference UCC
Streamed by permission

The Heart of Worship
Text and Music by Matt Redman
© 1999 Thankyou Music Ltd.
Streamed by permission CCLI License #1595965

Elegy
Alice Jordan
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

As We Gather at Your Table
Text by Carl P. Daw Jr., 1989
© 1989 Hope Publishing Company
Tune BEACH SPRING first pub. 1844
Harm. © 1992 The Pilgrim Press
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

We Plant a Grain of Mustard Seed
Text by Mary Bryan Matney, 1990
© 1998, GIA Publications, Inc.
Tune NEW BEGINNINGS by Sally Ann Morris, 1990
© 1998, GIA Publications, inc.
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Scherzo
Alan Ridout
Tune: ‘Scherzo’ by Alan Ridout from
‘A Second Easy Album for Organ’
© Oxford University Press 1975
All rights reserved.
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Important Dates

Today, October 5 – Church Council meeting after Worship Service

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

Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. Bible Study in person and via Zoom in the Pastor’s Study (see the Weekly Chime for Zoom meeting link). Special Bible Study sessions from Sept 17 – Oct 15 as part of our Open & Affirming (ONA) discussion (contact Rev Dr Jonathan Roach.) in Room 2.

Friday, October 17, 6 PM – Community Sing in the church sanctuary

Sunday, October 25 – All Saints Sunday Worship Service

Other Faith Groups that meet at Church of the Holy Cross
The United Church of Christ, Pohnpei –
Sanctuary, 12 noon
            Rev. Bensis Henry
Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa
– Sanctuary, 2:00 p.m.
            Rev. Sitau Ofoia, Jr.

The Bedesta Church – Sanctuary, 4 p.m.   
Rev.  Edmes Edwin

Pastor          Rev. Eric S. Anderson
Moderator             Stefan Tanouye
Lay Reader            John Narruhn
Chapel Decoration     Amy Shiroma and Clarice Suzuki,
in memory of Tommy Shiroma
Organist      Kayleen Yuda        
Hand Bell Director        Anna Kennedy   
IYAA Music Director Stuart Mori
Projected Imagery        Sue Smith
Web Master          Ruth Niino-DuPonte  
Videographers    Eric Tanouye, Bob Smith,
            Mace Peng, Woody Kita, Cindy Debus
Streaming Sound Director Ben Yamaki
Sunday School Teacher          Gloria Kobayashi
Sunday School Aide      Johanna Narruhn

Worship for September 28, 2025

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 September 28, 2025
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Pastor

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

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

Prelude: Open Our Eyes               Kayleen Yuda

Lighting of the Candles

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome                                           Rev. Eric S. Anderson

* Call to Worship: (based on Amos 6:4-7) Anna Kennedy

Leader:   Woe to those who lounge on beds of ivory.
People:  Woe to those who eat lambs from the flock and calves from the stall.

Leader:   Woe to those who sing idle songs and make ignorant music.
People:  Woe to those who drink their wine and anoint themselves with perfume.

Leader:   Woe to those who do not grieve for the ruin of the people.
People:  Woe to those who revel amidst the grief of the poor, for God will not forget their callousness.

All:           Let us worship God!

* Hymn #565: God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (v. 1-4)

* Invocation: (based on Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16)     Anna Kennedy

Open your wings so that we might take shelter, O God. Deliver us from the snares and illnesses that beset us. Cover us with your feathers and embrace us in the safety of your care. In you we will not fear the terror of the night; we will not fear the harms of the day. As we call to you, answer us with rescue and salvation. Amen.

Please be seated

WE SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Anthem: Sonata Opus 2 Nr 1 Movement 2 Adagio               Mace Peng  

Time with the Children           Rev. Eric Anderson

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15    Anna Kennedy
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the tenth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar. At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah was confined in the court of the guard that was in the palace of the king of Judah, where King Zedekiah of Judah had confined him. Zedekiah had said, ‘Why do you prophesy and say: Thus says the Lord: I am going to give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

 Jeremiah said, The word of the Lord came to me: Hanamel son of your uncle Shallum is going to come to you and say, ‘Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours.’ Then my cousin Hanamel came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the Lord, and said to me, ‘Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is yours; buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord.

 And I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and weighed out the money to him, seventeen shekels of silver. I signed the deed, sealed it, got witnesses, and weighed the money on scales. Then I took the sealed deed of purchase, containing the terms and conditions, and the open copy; and I gave the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel, in the presence of the witnesses who signed the deed of purchase, and in the presence of all the Judeans who were sitting in the court of the guard. In their presence I charged Baruch, saying, Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware jar, in order that they may last for a long time. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.

Luke 16:19-31
 ‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”’

Sermon: Are You Convinced? 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 #563: We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky (v. 1-3)

Call to Offering                Anna Kennedy

Generosity is a crucial element of a Christian life. When we withhold our resources from others, we close our spirits to God. When we share with others, God visits us with grace. Whether you share your gift here in the church today, through a gift online, or via an envelope in the mail, let the offering now be received.

Offertory: Prayer            Kayleen Yuda

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

* Offertory Prayer         Anna Kennedy

Accept the gifts, O God, which we have presented to you this day. Visit us with your grace and peace as we open our souls to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Announcements             Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Please be seated

Benediction                      Rev. Eric S. Anderson

Postlude: Great Is Our Lord    Kayleen Yuda

* Please stand if you are able.

PERMISSIONS

Open Our Eyes
Robert Cull
Streamed by permission CCLI License #1595965

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
Text by Robert L. Edwards, 1961
© 2016 by Hope Publishing Co.
Tune AUSTRIAN HYMN by Franz Joseph Haydn, 1797
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Sonata Opus 2 Nr 1 Movement 2 Adagio
Ludwig van Beethoven
Public Domain

We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky
Text by Ruth Duck, 1984, rev. 1989
© 1992 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.
Tune ENDLESS SONG by Robert Lowry, 1869
Public Domain
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Prayer
James Mansfield
Tune: (c) 1982 Lorenz Publishing Company,
a division of The Lorenz Corporation
(Admin. by Music Services)
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Take My Gifts
Text by Shirley Erena Murray, 1991
© 1992 Hope Publishing Company
Tune TALAVERA TERRACE by Colin Gibson, 1991
© 1992 Hope Publishing Company
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

Great Is Our Lord
Michael W. & Deborah D. Smith
Streamed by permission ONELICENSE A-735890

IMPORTANT DATES

Month of September – Foodland’s Give Aloha — donate to Church of the Holy Cross at any of your local Foodland or Sack N Save

Today, September 28 – J’s Mini Market

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

Wednesdays, 5 PM – Bible Study in Pastor’s Study and via Zoom (The meeting link and Bible references will be in the Weekly Chime). Special Bible Study sessions will be held from Sept 17 – Oct 15 as part of our Open & Affirming (ONA) discussion led by Rev Dr Jonathan Roach.

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          Anna Kennedy 
Chapel Decorations  Jane and Janine Kawazoe,
in memory of Masaji Kawazoe
Organist / Pianist     Kayleen Yuda   
Guest Pianist Mace Peng
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