“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 30, 2025
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“The Hope Jesus Brings”
Bible Passages:
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 22:1,14-21; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
Lector: Lettie Bennett
Crucifer: Maureen Sanders
Ushers: Dave Nee and Gerry Williams
Fellowship: Arlen and Cindy Lackey
Flowers: Natalie Stewart
“With Thanksgiving for Advent blessings!”
Prelude
Jubal Joslyn, tenor
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano and organ
Recitative and Airs from Messiah……….G. F. Handel
Comfort Ye My People
Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exulted
But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?
Offertory
Blest Mary Walks Amid the Thorn……….German Folk Song, arr. Marchand
Organ Postlude
Toccata on “Veni Emmanuel”……….French antiphon, arr. Adolphus Hailstork
Many thanks to Jubal Joslyn, our staff cantor, who continues to grace our Sundays every week with exceptional and inspiring songs!
“Veni, Emmanuel” signals the beginning of the Christmas season for me, maybe even more so than “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.” When I first heard this hymn as a child, I knew it was special – maybe because, unlike most hymns, it was printed with the rhythm of medieval chant in the hymnal, or maybe because it had Latin words – “Veni” means “Come!”
I love the power of music to whisk us out of the moment and spin us into our imaginations and memories. Not only does this music take me back to my childhood, it echoes the prayer of a lifetime – the earnest desire for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Adolphus Hailstork, who captured the urgency of this prayer in a vigorous toccata, has been Composer-in-Residence at Norfolk State University. In 2001 he was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters from The College of William & Mary (which happens to be my alma mater!) — Cathryn
Last Sunday’s Service
Sunday Services Archive
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
Dear CitF Family,
As we approach Thanksgiving, Laura and I are very grateful for the gift of being able to share life and ministry with all of you!
I am also very grateful for those who serve on our Board of Directors: Mary Jane Sligar (Chair), Bonnie DeWitt (HR/Vice-Chair), Dick Crowell (Finance), Frank Lawrie (Buildings and Grounds), Mick Connolly (Manse Management), Ken White (Sage), Pam Tashjian (Treasurer), Mia Jarick (Fellowship) and Marge Moore (Local Outreach and Pastoral Care).
I also give praise for the amazing staff with whom I’m privileged to serve: Jana McCarty (Office Manager), Cathryn Wilkinson (Music Director), Jubal Joslyn (Cantor), Adam Balesteri (Graphic Designer) and Tammy Chisholm (Finance Manager).
This Sunday we begin our season of Advent. If you haven’t already, I invite you to order the Advent devotional book written by Henri Nouwen that Laura and I will use. You can order it here by clicking this link. There are scriptures, thoughts for reflection, and prayers for each day of Advent beginning this Sunday.
May we all receive and give God’s many gifts throughout this very special season!
Peace and Good Cheer,
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.