“Light in the Forest” our stunning chapel is reflective of our mission – simplicity, inclusivity, beauty & light. The work of the church happens collaboratively.
This Sunday: December 14, 2025
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“The Joy Jesus Brings”
Bible Passages:
Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:4-9; Matthew 11:2-11
Lector: Dave Nee
Crucifer: Will Jansma
Ushers: Marilynn Gustafson and Carle Mowell
Fellowship: Niels Reimers
Flowers: Seasonal Greens
Prelude
Chloe Thompson, Violin
Janneke Hoogland, Cello
Cathryn Wilkinson, Piano
O Come, O Come Emmanuel……….Vesper antiphon, arr. Marshall McDonald
Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming……….German carol, arr. Walters
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly……….Polish carol, arr. Ruck
In dulci jubilo (With sweet joy)……….German carol, arr. Walters
Greensleeves……….English carol, arr. R. Vaughn Williams
Offertory
Angels Christmas Medley……….arr. Gary Lanier
Postlude
ANTIOCH (Joy to the World!)……….G. F. Handel, arr. Brendan Fox
Many thanks to Chloe Thompson, violin, and Janneke Hoogland, cellist for sharing their musical gifts this morning. Chloe is a junior at Santa Catalina School and a member of Youth Music Monterey. Janneke is a member of Church in the Forest. She is the cello coach for Youth Music Monterey and maintains a private music studio on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.
Story of A Carol
“Joy to the world” echoes today’s “joy” theme. Although we now associate it with Christmas, this was originally a song of praise based on Psalm 98. Isaac Watts, a poet and Congregational clergyman, published a paraphrase of Psalm 98 in The Psalms of David, Imitated in the Language of the New Testament in London in 1719. Watts wrote that his paraphrase of “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise” captured the “first and chief Sense of the Holy Scriptures.”
Fast forward to Boston nearly a century later. Composer and teacher Lowell Mason, who had studied in Europe, published the tune “ANTIOCH” that we sing today. Mason incorporated two melodic fragments from Handel’s Messiah in this tune. Listen closely for “Lift up your heads” and “Comfort ye.” (For more information about the history of this song and many other modern hymns, see UMC Discipleship Ministries by Dr. C. Michael Hawn at umcdiscipleship.org.)
Last Sunday’s Service
Sunday Services Archive
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
“Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10)
Dear CitF Family,
We have reflected this Advent season on the Hope that Jesus brings, that leads to the Peace that Jesus brings. These are two gifts that we desperately need! We celebrate during this season what God makes possible when we put our hope in God, which leads us to a peace that surpasses our human understanding. And, as we walk on this path that leads to God’s peace, we then enter the land of Joy that Jesus brings.
The above passage in Isaiah describes the joy of the redeemed—all who’ve found their hope and peace in the finished work of Jesus. I’m so grateful God has graciously allowed me to be among the redeemed—those who have been brought to a place of belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior. I will never forget when God opened my eyes to this life-changing truth!
On this Third Sunday of Advent we will focus on Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:4-9 (NRSV) — vv.5-10 (NIV) and Matthew 11:2-11. These passages give us beautiful and powerful images of the Joy that Jesus makes possible!
Take time this week to reflect on the truth of these passages. Let these truths soak deeply into your soul. Get in touch with all that steals your joy. Bring these demons to our Lord Jesus so God can free you and root you in what is true — about you as a person of faith and about our loving God.
I look forward to celebrating Jesus’ gifts with you this Sunday!
Pastor Mike
Small Groups & Bible Study
Small Groups
These are gatherings where CitF members and friends can explore faith and deepen fellowship.
Small Group Bible Study
The Sunday Small Group Bible Study meets every Sunday
in the Multipurpose Room from 9:00 – 9:40 a.m.
to discuss the scripture passages of the day.
Pastor Mike will lead our weekly discussions.
Men’s Bible Study
Men’s Bible Study meets on Thursdays from
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
in the Multipurpose Room and/or on Zoom (as announced)
and is studying the Old Testament book of Daniel.
For more information contact Bob Axley at rjaxley@icloud.com
Women’s Insight on Faith
Women’s Insight on Faith will meet on Thursday, December 18th
from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mia Jarick’s home.
The topic of discussion will be Judging vs Judgemental.
Anyone interested in joining can contact Mia Jarick at 831-917-3202 or miajarick1@yahoo.com.