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

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This Sunday: April 27, 2025

SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Ken Feske

“Which Comes First: Grace or Repentence?”

Bible Study Leader: The Rev. Ken Feske
Bible Study Topic: John 20: 19-31

Bible Passages: 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21; Psalm 118: selected verses; John 20: 19-31
Lector: Carol Williams
Crucifer: Nathan Kobell
Ushers: Carol Williams and Peggy Pfeifer
Fellowship: 

Flowers: Annie and Bill Slautterback

Prelude

9:45 a.m.

Peggy Pfeiffer, piano
Favorite Hymns

Offertory

Lord of the Dance……….Traditional Shaker melody, arr. Mark Hayes
Jubal Joslyn, Tenor

Postlude

Festival Postlude on “Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah”
John Hughes, arr. Franklin D. Ashdown

 

Welcome to pianist Peggy Pfeifer. Peggy is a member of Church in the Forest who comes from a musical family. She describes her childhood as “a Christian environment with an emphasis on learning to play various instruments.” Peggy earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from Eastern Connecticut State University and has continued with her musical interests as a church pianist, violinist, accompanist, and piano teacher.

Last Sunday’s Service

Sunday Services Archive

Pastor Ken FeskeThe Rev. Ken Feske

Pastor's Letter

Did you hear the one about…..

What is Holy Humor Sunday? In the early church, the Sunday after Easter was observed by the faithful as a day of joy and laughter with parties and shenanigans to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Some early church theologians said that God played a joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead. So, on the Sunday after Easter, it was a time for clergy and people to tell jokes and to have fun.

“The assumption that a sense of humor and a Christian faith are incompatible is totally mistaken…comedians, like Bob Hope, tend to be believers rather than sceptics or cynics…Laughter is, indeed, God’s therapy. Let us then be thankful that, when the Gates of Heaven swing open, mixed with the celestial music there is the unmistakable sound of celestial laughter.”—Malcolm Muggeridge

G.K. Chesterton once wrote: “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. Never forget that the devil fell by force of gravity. He who has the faith has the fun.”

The Bible actually has many references to laughter and partying and having fun. Some examples:

–“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22 ESV).
–“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed” (Prov. 15:13 ESV).
–“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (Ps. 32:11 ESV).
–“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4 ESV).

Over and over, scriptures tell us to rejoice, to praise, to laugh – all those emotions that have to do with enjoying our relationship with God. It’s too bad that many Christians walk around and live their lives as if being a Christian was a chore and they struggle under a hard task master.

Look forward to seeing YOUR HAPPY FACE Sunday!!

 

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 each Sunday Morning at 9:00 am in the Multipurpose Room, where the topic is the sermon Bible lesson of the day.

Men’s Small Group Bible Study

Men’s Bible Study is held Thursdays 10:30 a.m. on Zoom only. We are studying John’s gospel.
For more information contact Bob Axley at rjaxley@icloud.com

Women’s Bible Study
Women’s insight on Faith will meet on Thursday, May 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mia Jarick’s home. Anyone is interested in joining can contact Mia Jarick at 831-917-3202 or miajarick1@yahoo.com.

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