“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: November 23, 2025
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“Christ our King”
Bible Passages:
Malachi 3:6-10; Psalm 148:1-6, 11-13; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Luke 6:38
Lector: Dave Nee
Crucifer:
Ushers: Kathy Gray and Carol Williams
Fellowship:Lloyd Nattkemper and Dick Crowell
Flowers:Sue Hilger,
“In memory of Bob Dench”
Prelude
Jubal Joslyn, tenor
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano and organ
Thanks Be to God /For The Beauty of the Earth……….Dennis and Nan Allen
Grateful……….John Bucchino
Simple Gifts……….Aaron Copland
The Ash Grove……….Welsh tune, arr. David Cherwien
Offertory
Consecration……….John Ness Beck
Organ Postlude
Now Thank We All Our God……….Johann Crüger, arr. David N. Johnson
”We Praise You, O God, Our Redeemer” is sung to a sixteenth-century Dutch folk song “Ey, wilder den wilt.” The original text, “We Gather Together” has been traditional at American Thanksgivings, but it was written as a Dutch patriotic song around 1600 to celebrate the freedom of the Netherlands from Spanish rule. The new text, “We Praise You, O God,” was written at the request of J. Archer Gibson, organist at Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City. Gibson asked Julia Buckley Cady Cory, a long-time member and amateur hymn writer for a text to the tune KREMSER. Her new hymn was first sung at Thanksgiving Day services in 1902 at the Brick Presbyterian Church and Church of the Covenant, both in New York City.
–Based on information in Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1998 from hymnary.com.
Last Sunday’s Service
Sunday Services Archive
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
Dear CitF Family,
This is a very important week for us, as individuals and as a church family. We’ve been reflecting on all the gifts God has given us — our abilities, our intellect, our education, our finances, our health, our loved ones, our meaningful community, all that we enjoy. This Sunday we will respond with our intentional and hope-fulled gratitude!
An important part of our intentional gratitude is practicing tithing, which protects and guides the intentions of our hearts. The word “tithe” simply means “one-tenth” or “first fruits.” Tithing helps us give back to God our FIRST and BEST — not what’s left over after we’ve given to whatever else we value. When we gladly say to God and ourselves, “I will give God my first and best because God’s will and God’s purposes matter more to me than anything else,” our hearts are protected and aligned with the purposes of God. To help us with this important process, we prepare our “Faith Promises” and present them as a part of our regular offering this Sunday.
It’s’ important to know there’s a difference between giving our “tithe” and our “offerings.” Our “tithe” is giving God our first and best to protect and guide our hearts. Our “tithe” also makes possible the week-to-week ministries of our church. Our “offerings” are special gifts given beyond our tithe in support of causes we personally value. The Verska Music Fund, The Feske Fund, year-end special gifts to our church and causes outside our church are all “offerings.”
As we approach this Sunday, our Thanksgiving Sunday, may we each take time to reflect on all God has given and discern what God is calling us to give, both in our “tithes” (as written out on our Faith Promise Cards and presented in worship) and our “offerings.” As we approach this important Sunday may we remember the call of God in 2 Corinthians 9:7 — “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Laura and I look forward to celebrating with you this Sunday!
With great hope in God,
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 at 10:30 a.m.
in the multipurpose room and on Zoom.
We will be studying Romans and using a study guide by Pastor Art Ross.
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.