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This Sunday: July 6, 2025
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
“The Gift of God’s Kingdom”
Bible Passages: Isaiah 66: 10-14; Psalm 66: 1-5; Galatians 6:1-10; Luke 10: 1-11
Deacon: The Rev. Natalie Stewart
Lector: Annie Slautterback
Crucifer: Bob Axley
Ushers: Bob Janzen and Peter McKee
Fellowship: Lloyd Nattkemper
Flowers: Linda and Howard Colehower
Prelude
American Songs in Celebration of Independence Day
Cheryl Rogers, organist
Offertory
Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether……….Harold Friedell
Sophia Gonzalez, mezzo soprano
Cheryl Rogers, organ
Communion Music
Behold the Lamb……….Kristyn and Keith Getty
Postlude
Cheryl Rogers
Guest Musicians
Welcome and many thanks to Sophia Gonzalez, mezzo soprano, and Cheryl Rogers, organist.
A new music specialist, Sophia is a mezzo soprano established in opera, musical theater, and art song. Ms. Gonzalez maintains a private voice studio in Gilroy. She is also an educator and co-founder of the California Summer Performing Arts Academy, a non-profit music summer camp experience for K-8 students in the Bay Area.
Cheryl Rogers has been an organist at Carmel Presbyterian Church for the past 11 years. She is retired and enjoys golf and pickleball.
From the Pleistocene to the Present
Today’s songs reflect the lives and cultures of people through past centuries, extending back even a few millennia. Joachim Neander wrote the timeless text often translated as “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” in 1680. Neander lived in a valley in northwestern Germany, the “Neanderthal.” He was inspired by the beautiful surrounding landscapes and loved spending time outdoors. He visited a cave in the area so often that locals named it “Neander’s Cave.” Fast forward to 1856 when anthropologists identified an early human species from the Pleistocene epoch in Neander’s Cave and named it “Neanderthal” after the valley.
On another continent, just a few years later, Daniel Roberts, an Episcopal priest in rural Vermont, wrote “God of Our Fathers” for the local July 4th celebration. In 1889 his patriotic poem became the theme song for the national celebration of the Centennial of the American Constitution in Philadelphia. At the event, the Marine Band of Washington accompanied the hymn. The band was “under the able leadership of Professor Soussa,” this being John Phillip Sousa, composer of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Last Sunday’s Service
Sunday Services Archive
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
God says, “I will extend peace to you like a river…”
(Isaiah 66:12)
The Psalmist says, “Come and see what God has done, God’s awesome deeds.” (Psalm 66:5)
The Apostle Paul says, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” (Galatians 6:16)
Jesus said, “The kingdom of God has come near to you!”
(Luke 10:9)
Dear CitF Family,
Last night Laura and I had Pastor Ken and Nancy over for dinner, our first dinner guests at our new P.G. home. We wanted to thank them for their very generous support and extend blessing to them as they move into their new season of life. When they left, Laura and I agreed that Ken and Nancy are truly godly people—extending God’s Kingdom wherever they go!”
So I’m now in my first week of flying solo, and this Sunday we celebrate communion. I’m excited, but I’m also a little nervous because, as a Presbyterian pastor, I’ve never led in your more “Episcopalian” way. Yet, by God’s grace, The Rev. Natalie Stewart has been coaching me and she will help lead us in worship this Sunday. Did I say I’m excited, and thankful?
Our focus this Sunday will be on “The Gift of God’s Kingdom.” I’ve shared highlighted
passages above from the four scripture texts we will hear in worship. These passages give us hints of what happens when we live in the realm of “God’s Kingdom,” which is just as available to us as the air we breathe. And so we are clear, the realm of “God’s Kingdom” is ANY place where God’s gracious and good will is understood, embraced and joyfully expressed.
As I look ahead, my greatest hope and prayer is we will help each other live more fully into the realm of God’s Kingdom—the place where healing, joy, love, goodness and blessing run wild. I also look forward to how we, as a very unique family of God, will extend the gifts of God’s Kingdom to all people.
With great expectation!
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 is taking a summer break. More information to follow.
Men’s Small Group Bible Study
Men’s Bible Study is on its annual summer break and will resume after Labor Day.
For more information contact Bob Axley at rjaxley@icloud.com
Women’s Bible Study
Women’s insight on Faith will meet on Thursday, July 17th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mia Jarick’s home. Anyone interested in joining can contact Mia Jarick at 831-917-3202 or miajarick1@yahoo.com.