“Light in the Forest” our stunning chapel is reflective of our mission – simplicity, inclusivity, beauty & light. The work of the church happens collaboratively.

gord_cross.png

This Sunday: November 2, 2025

SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert

“Passing the Baton”

Bible Passages:

Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 116:12-19; John 17:1-10

Lector: Sis Connolly

Crucifer: Mick Connolly
Ushers: Bob Janzen and Peter McKee
Fellowship: Linda Hanel

Flowers: Kirsten Moreno


Prelude

Songs of Death & Dying in honor of Day of the Dead

Solmaaz Adeli, mezzo soprano

Jubal Joslyn, tenor

Cathryn Wilkinson, piano

Prelude in C Minor, Opus 28, No. 20……….Frédéric Chopin

Nina……….G.B. Pergolesi

Der Tod und das Mädchen (Death and the Maiden)……….Franz Schubert

Live Without Thought of Dying……….Diana Rowan

(Text from Catherine of Siena)

Danny Boy……….Irish Folk Song

Swing Lo’……….American Spiritual, Max Bruch

Offertory

“Panis Angelicus” (Bread of Angels)……….César Franck

Communion

Land of Rest……….from The Christian Harp, arr. R. Proulx
You We Adore, O Hidden Savior……….Benedictine Plainsong, 13th c.
Abide With Me……….William H. Monk, arr. Stephen Nelson

Organ Postlude

“Sine Nomine”……….R. Vaughan Williams, arr. David Cherwien

Welcome back to mezzo-soprano Solmaaz Adeli. Solmaaz Adeli is consistently praised for the luster of her timbre, vocal agility, and her impressive vocal range. She made her operatic debut at the Vienna Chamber Opera in the role of Flora in Albinoni’s baroque opera Il Nascimento dell’Aurora. She regularly performs baroque to contemporary opera, concert, and chamber music in Europe and America.

Solmaaz holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences from UC Santa Cruz, and after beginning a career in the sciences, moved to Austria to study voice. She was awarded a scholarship to the Opernschule at KUG (University of Music and Performing Arts) in Graz and was a fellow in Il corso di recitazione per cantanti lirici, led by Turin’s esteemed opera director Davide Livermore. Follow her at solmaazadeli.com.

Solmaaz is delighted to share the song “Live Without Thought of Dying” by friend, harpist, composer and musicologist Diana Rowan. Diana is originally from Ireland and now lives in Berkeley.

Last Sunday’s Service

Sunday Services Archive

The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert

Pastor's Letter

You are praised, O God! You crown the year with your goodness,
and your paths overflow with plenty!
Psalm 65

Dear CitF Family,

As I shared in last Sunday’s sermon, we are now in our season of harvest! This means we are in a season of reflecting on all the good gifts God has given, and we are responding with our expressions of praise and gratitude.

Next week you will all receive a special mailing inviting us at CitF to make good use of this season of reflection and response that will prepare us for all God has for us in 2026. Please read this letter and prayerfully respond as God leads so you will not miss the gifts God has for you in the New Year!

This Sunday, All Saints Sunday, we are thanking God for the lives of our loved ones who have gone before us who are now enjoying their reward in God’s presence. These are the names of those you have given us to celebrate:

John Barbier
Joan Blackman
Linda Colehower
Brian Cuje
Kathy Ehlert
Anne Filek
Ki Filek
Ron Garcia
Dave Jordan Irwin
Donald Kelber
Steven Clark “Rusty” Lawrie
Richard Link
Liz Lord
Rob McGann
Jan Reimers
Bob Rice
Jean White

As I close, I encourage you to read what Bob Axley shared in worship. What he shares is timely and very important for Church in the Forest!

Grace & 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 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, November 20th 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.

Skip to content