“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 7, 2025
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“The Peace Jesus Brings”
Bible Passages:
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Matthew 3:1-12
Lector: Sis Connolly
Crucifer: Mick Connolly
Ushers: Bob Janzen and Peter McKee
Fellowship: Diane and Chuck Elliott
Flowers: Bob and Michele Axley
“Happy 60th Anniversary”
Prelude
I Cantori di Carmel
Daniel Henriks, conductor
Teruyo Petrocelli, piano
Choruses from Messiah……….G. F. Handel
Offertory
G. F. Handel
Communion
E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come……….Paul Manz
I Will Lead You Home……….Grant / Eaton
Song of Zechariah……….Hal H. Hopson
Organ Postlude
Savior of the Nations, Come……….J. S. Bach
“E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come,” is a classic Advent anthem, made famous by The King’s Singers. The song of encouragement was born in a time of personal trial. The composer Paul Manz had been given an adaptation of a text from Revelation by his wife Ruth. Then the couple found their three-year-old son facing a critical illness. Ruth Manz reported, “We’d reached the point where we felt that time was certainly running out, so we committed it to the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, quickly come.’” While waiting at his son’s bedside, Paul Manz began to draft the composition. Their son recovered, a tribute to the power of prayer. The song closes with the promise from Revelation 22:5, “And night shall be no more; they need no light nor lamp nor sun, for Christ will be their all.”
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Many thanks to I Cantori Di Carmel and Jubal Joslyn for their musical contributions.
Last Sunday’s Service
Sunday Services Archive
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
Dear CitF Family,
We are now into Advent, one of my favorite times of year!
This coming Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent, we will focus on “The Peace that Jesus Brings.” This week’s scripture will help us understand this amazing gift that God gives:
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7; Matthew 3:1-12.
How we need the peace that Jesus brings! How our world needs the peace that Jesus brings! God’s shalom is one of God’s very best gifts. It is God’s gift of wholistic health — that reaches into our most inner places and flows out to the world around us. This is a gift we cannot give ourselves, nor can our world give it to us. Only our loving Creator and Savior can give us this gift that our hearts long for and we are made for.
This Sunday we will also celebrate Holy Communion, which is so very appropriate on the Sunday we celebrate the peace that Jesus brings. As I’ve prepared this week’s liturgy, I’ve been able to reflect on the words of our eucharistic liturgy that is specially prepared for Advent. As I’ve reflected, I’ve become excited about sharing God’s love feast with you!
My prayers are with you as you walk through this second week of Advent. I pray you are benefitting from the words of Henri Nouwen in our Advent devotional guide. I pray you are hearing and receiving the gifts God has for you. And I pray you will join us this Sunday — you and your family, friends and neighbors — as we gather on Sunday to celebrate the gift of peace that Jesus brings!
Grace and Peace,
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 will meet on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Men’s Bible Study will not meet on December 4th but will resume on December 11th on Zoom only
to begin study of 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.