“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: May 3, 2026
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“God’s Special Possession”
Bible Passages:
Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
Lector:
Sis Connolly
Ushers:
Steve Bellavance and Bob Janzen
Flowers:
Lettie Bennett
Fellowship:
Marilyn Gibfried
Musicians
Kevin Jordan, trumpet
Jubal Joslyn, cantor and tenor
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano
Prelude
Music Inspired by My Favorite Trumpeters
Air Trompette……….Georg Philipp Telemann, arr. Glaser
Prayer of Saint Gregory……….Alan Hovhaness
To My Mother……….Rafael Méndez
Peaceful World……….Gilles Rocha
Offertory
Alabaré a mi Señor………Alonso/Pagán
Cantemos al Señor……….Carlos Rosas, arr. Martinez
Communion Music
In the Breaking of the Bread……….Michael Ward
Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee……….Benedictine plainsong
Postlude
“No se pueder” from La tabernera del puerto……….P. Sorozábal
Welcome to Kevin Jordan, guest performer today. Kevin is no stranger to Church in the Forest, but he is rarely standing without other members of the Wild Coast Brass. He is pleased to be a soloist working with Cathryn on piano, but also loves playing in concert band; musical theatre; bugling; orchestra; mariachi; jazz; and of course chamber music! He is proud to add Grandparent to his many names as his first granddaughter was born in February.
It’s Cinco de Mayo! “The Fifth of May” was declared a national holiday in Mexico in 1867, celebrating the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla. Today’s Spanish songs are in recognition of the beautiful traditions of Mexican culture.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
Dear CitF Family,
This week we are focusing on one of the great gifts our Lord’s resurrection provides: We can know we are safe and secure no matter what we go through in this lifetime. This is the great truth and hope Christians have lived with throughout the ages, which frees us from all fear.
These great truths are expressed in this week’s scriptures: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14. My hope is everyone in our church family will develop the habit of sitting with our weekly scriptures so God’s Word can speak deeply into our hearts and souls!
As we approach Sunday’s worship, I look forward to when we will celebrate communion. As we enter our Lord’s table of grace, we will use the following new invitation:
All are welcome at the table of God — every man, woman and child. For Christ brings peace to all, tearing down every hostile wall, so that the many may become one — one heart, one family, one new humanity. For God is love, and Christ, who is all and in all, shows no partiality and makes no distinction. So neither race nor class, gender nor sexuality, politics nor religion, personality nor nationality count for us or against us. The light of Christ enlightens all. Christ the prisoner and the naked. Christ the hungry and the sick. Christ the thirsty and the stranger. Christ the other. May God’s Spirit hover over our chaos — our hatred and indifference — descend into our hearts with love and blow us out into the world to listen and to serve. All are welcome at the table of God — every man, woman and child. The Lord be with you.
See you in worship!
Pastor Mike
Small Groups & Bible Study
Growth Groups
These are gatherings where CitF members and friends can explore faith and deepen fellowship.
Sunday Bible Study
We meet every Sunday in the Multipurpose Room
from 9:00 – 9:40 a.m.
to discuss the scripture passages of the day.
Pastor Mike leads our weekly discussions.
Women’s Bible Study
with Rev. Dr. Laura Harbert
The third Tuesday of each month 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Next meeting Tuesday, May 19th
At Mia Jarick’s home in Pacific Grove
Contact Mia to RSVP
miajarick1@yahoo.com
831-917-3202
Men’s Bible Study
Pastor Mike leads the weekly Men’s Bible Study
in a new study on The Lord’s Prayer using the book:
We will meet every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the church
(and on Zoom for those who cannot attend in-person).
All men are most welcome! If you’re interested in joining us,
please order the resource.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Mike at
(831) 915-4413 or pastormike@churchintheforest.org.