“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: December 21, 2025
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Laura Harbert
“The Love Jesus Brings”
Bible Passages:
Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-18; Matthew 1:18-25
Lector: Mia Jarick
Crucifer: Mick Connolly
Ushers: Carle Mowell and Bill Silva
Fellowship: Rae Janzen and Marge Moore
Flowers: Natalie Stewart
Nathan Nguyen, violin
Daisy Swanson, viola
Jubal Joslyn, tenor
Peggy Pfeifer, piano
Prelude
Sonata No. 1 in B-Flat from “Six Sonatas for Violin and Viola”…..Luigi Gatti
I. Allegro Aperto
II. Adagio
III. Rondo, Andante con Moto
Christmas Day: Choral Fantasy on Old Carols…..Gustav Holst, arr. Nguyen and Swanson
Good Christian Men, Rejoice
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Come Ye Lofty, Come Ye Lowly
The First Nowell
Solo
Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming ……. Michael Praetorius
Offertory
Concerto Grosso “For the Eve of the Nativity,” Op.6, No.8…..Corelli, arr. Nguyen and Swanson
Largo – Pastorale
Postlude
We Wish You a Merry Christmas…..Traditional, arr. Nguyen and Swanson
Magnificat on the First Tone…..Dietrich Buxtehude
Many thanks to Nathan Nguyen, violin, and Daisy Swanson, viola, both originally from the Monterey Peninsula. Nathan is currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music under full scholarship. He studies under the tutelage of Lina Bahn and Moni Simeonov, and plays with orchestras such as the San Gabriel Valley Symphony, Las Vegas Philharmonic, and at USC performs in the USC Thornton Symphony and Baroque Sinfonia. Nathan had recently completed his Bachelor of Music in violin performance at California State University of Long Beach Magna Cum Laude. He was also awarded fellowships as 1st violin in the American Youth Symphony and California Young Artists’ Symphony. Nathan is also a recipient of the Colburn Foundation Scholarship and the Jameisson-Pechstein College of the Arts Endowed Scholarship.
Daisy Swanson is currently a Master’s in Music candidate in viola at the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), studying under the mentorship of Wenting Kang. Daisy is currently a Dean’s Scholarship recipient and has also served as principal viola at NEC. They have been awarded orchestral fellowships with the American Youth Symphony as principal viola and the California Young Artists’ Symphony. Festival appearances include the Taipei Music Academy and Festival, Lake George Music Festival, Kinhaven Young Artists Seminar, National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute + Festival, and Festival Napa Valley. Daisy is also a recipient of the Jerry Epstein Prize Scholarship, the Cole Scholarship, and the Monterey County Council for the Arts Scholarship.
Many thanks to Chloe Thompson, violin, and Janneke Hoogland, cellist for sharing their musical gifts this morning. Chloe is a junior at Santa Catalina School and a member of Youth Music Monterey. Janneke is a member of Church in the Forest. She is the cello coach for Youth Music Monterey and maintains a private music studio on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.
Story of A Carol
For many people, “O Come All Ye Faithful” is a strong symbol of Christmas. John Francis Wade composed both the tune and Latin poem with the title “Adeste fideles.” He preserved it in a manuscript in France where he had fled as an exiled Catholic in the 18th century. Frederick Oakeley, a translator of many Latin hymns during the Oxford Movement, published the first English version in 1841 in London. ADESTE FIDELES is the traditional closing hymn for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s in Rome.
Last Sunday’s Service
Sunday Services Archive
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
Dear CitF Family,
Last week was a VERY meaningful and moving week for me. I, like many others, celebrated the life of Scott Hulme. Over the past 17 years I’ve had the privilege of knowing and sharing life with Scott, sometimes very intensely. We helped each allow God to take us to new and better places, especially during these recent years when Scott battled lung cancer. Even as Scott’s body declined, he remained determined to increasingly live the life God had for him. And the joy and gratitude that flowed from Scott, especially in his last days, was miraculous and inspiring!
Amazingly and yet not surprisingly, Scott asked me to go on an adventure with him to the Scottish Highlands while his body still could. So, in January of this year when the weather is most foul, we enjoyed God’s wild beauty while also sharing the depths of our souls. The picture I’m sharing is from one of our hikes in blowing wind and rain on the Isle of Sky. It was an experience I’ll always cherish because it touched the depths of the wild joy God longs for us all to experience in this lifetime.
As we move towards our fourth Sunday of Advent, I pray you’re experiencing the fullness of God’s hope, peace and joy. God waits to pour these gifts into our lives as we allow God to do the necessary soul work—the work Scott and I shared. During this special season, I especially pray for those of you who are experiencing loss or sadness. I pray you experience the very near Presence of our loving God in ways that heals and renews your heart.
This Sunday we’ll celebrate “The Love Jesus Brings” from Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, and Matthew 1:18-25. My wife, Laura, will preach. It’s always a blessing when Laura preaches, so I hope you and those you care about will join us! I also hope you and your loved ones will join us for one of our Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, my favorite service of the year. As we approach this culmination of our sacred season, I pray God will meet each of you in ways you need most.
Grace and Peace,
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 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