“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: January 4, 2026
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“God’s Revelation”
Bible Passages:
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-15; Matthew 2:1-12
Lector:
Crucifer:
Ushers:
Fellowship: Diane and Chuck Elliott
Flowers: Marge Moore
“With heartfelt gratitude to everyone for making this clothing drive the most successful we have ever had! Thank you!”
Sophia Gonzalez, mezzo soprano
Jubal Joslyn, tenor
Janneke Hoogland, cello
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano
Prelude
In the Bleak Midwinter……….Holst, arr. Hayes
Three Kings from Persian Lands……….Cornelius, arr. Pethel
Carol of the Magi……….John Rutter
Offertory
Love Came Down At Christmas……….De Cesare/Wade
Communion
I Cannot Find My Way/Three Kings from Forgotten Carols…..Michael McLean
Morning Light……….Cary John Franklin
I Wonder As I Wander……….Niles, arr. Rutter
Organ Postlude
March of the Three Kings from L’Arlesienne……….Georges Bizet, arr. Wallace
Story of A Carol
GREENSLEEVES, the tune for “What Child Is This” is an old English ballad that dates back to 1580, when it was registered with the London Stationer’s Company as “A Newe Northern Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves.” The composer was unknown, but the ballad was evidently popular as Shakespeare twice mentions it in The Merry Wives of Windsor. The York Waites, a city band in 17th-century London, repopularized the tune with the New Year’s text, “The old year now away is fled.” The Christmas text that is now so popular was written by William Chatterton Dix, an amateur poet and Anglican church goer. “What Child is This” is from his much longer poem, “The Manger Throne,” published in London in 1865.
Welcome to Sophia Gonzalez, mezzo soprano, joining with Jubal Joslyn, tenor and Janneke Hoogland for our Epiphany music today. Sophia Gonzalez has a versatile presence in opera, musical theater, and art song. Recent solo engagements include performances with I Cantori di Carmel, the Central Coast Chamber Choir, Vivaldi’s Gloria (2024), and The Creative Voice’s Baroque & Unknown concert series. She is the Executive Director of California Flow Music Studio, a Gilroy-based school dedicated to cultivating strong musical foundations and artistic excellence for young voice, piano, and guitar students.
Cellist Janneke Hoogland graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and later earned a masters degree in cello performance from The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. She performed for over twenty years with the Rochester Philharmonic and was professor of cello performance, chamber music, and string methods at Houghton College and Roberts Wesleyan College. Currently she is the cello coach for Youth Music Monterey and maintains a private music studio on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.
Last Sunday’s Service
Sunday Services Archive
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)
Dear CitF Family,
This Sunday Christmastide concludes with our celebration of Epiphany. On this Sunday we remember how the Magi came from the east to worship the newborn Messiah Jesus. Their story is not only a nice addition to the Christmas story, but is a powerful message about how God calls all people to know, worship and live for Jesus.
The Magi were astrologers, scientists of their day, who sought messages from the Creator in the stars concerning important events. Somehow they recognized the special star that God put in the heavens as the sign of the birth of the king of the Jewish people as foretold in the Old Testament prophecies. The way in which they went to great lengths over many days to travel and find this Jewish king implies that they understood what the Old Testament prophecies foretold. This King of the Jews was more than an earthly king. He was the Messiah, the prophesied One who would come to save ALL people from sin.
The example of the Magi helps us realize that, like them, we need to seek, find and follow the signs of God’s leading. And we must start by seeking, discovering and worshiping God’s Messiah, Jesus. For, by doing this, we can discover and be led by God’s revelations so we can experience all the goodness God has for us.
As we enter 2026, may we follow the example of the Magi so we can discover and experience all the goodness God has for us in this New Year!
With great hope and joy,
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.
Men’s Bible Study
Men’s Bible Study meets on Thursdays from
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
in the Multipurpose Room and/or on Zoom (as announced)
and is studying the Old Testament book of Daniel.
For more information contact Bob Axley at rjaxley@icloud.com