“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: May 31, 2026
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“Co-Creators with God”
Matthew 28:16-20
Bible Passages:
Genesis 1:1-2:4; Psalm 8; Matthew 28:16-20
Lector:
Laura Harbert
Crucifer:
Marilyn Gorman
Ushers:
Dave Nee and Gerry Williams
Flowers:
Bob and Rae Janzen
“In celebration of our wedding anniversary.”
Fellowship:
Maxine Kallenberger
Musicians
Karen Carlisle Neal, mezzo soprano
Jubal Joslyn, cantor and tenor
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano and organ
Prelude
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes (Praise the Lord, all you people)……Mozart
From Solemn Vespers, K. 339
En prière (In Prayer)……….Gabriel Fauré
From Hermit Songs, Op. 29……….Samuel Barber
No. 9 The Praises of God
Speak, Lord……….Tom Trenney
Offertory
The King of Love My Shepherd Is……….Harry Rowe Shelley
Postlude
Fanfare for Organ……….Harry Rowe Shelley
Welcome back to Karen Carlisle Neal, our guest mezzo soprano. An original and longstanding member of Grammy-nominated Seraphic Fire, Karen Neal is also acclaimed for her performances with ensembles across South Florida, the Monterey Bay, Alaska Arts Southeast, and upcoming with the Colorado Bach Ensemble. She has appeared as a guest soloist with the New World Symphony, Miami Bach Society, and Dallas Brass among others and her recordings include works by Eric Ewazen on Albany Records and Latin American repertoire with NODUS on the Innova label. Neal holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California and Florida International University.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
Dear CitF Family,
This Sunday we celebrate our Triune God: The amazing mystery of how God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three distinct “persons” while also one singular and unified reality. What’s also amazing is how our Triune God invites us to join into the dance of co-creating with Almighty God.
Our first scripture for this week is Genesis 1:1—2:4. That’s right, the entire first chapter of Genesis through the fourth verse of chapter two! Take time to read and reflect upon this amazing chapter that describes how God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit created the heavens and the earth and how God invites us as human beings to join God in this dance of creating and stewarding the earth.
We will also focus on Psalm 8 this week, which reflects on all Genesis 1 describes.
Our final scripture for this week is Jesus’ Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:16-20. This passage describes how Jesus calls his disciples to join with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the dance of sharing God’s “Good News” of restoration and renewal as our way of life.
Take time to read and reflect upon these passages as you go through your week. Ponder how God’s loving truth might take root in your heart and life in new ways. As you thirst for God’s life in this way you will enter more fully into the awesome dance of co-creating with God!
I look forward to worshiping our Triune God with you this Sunday!
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.
Women’s Bible Study
with Rev. Dr. Laura Harbert
The third Tuesday of each month 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Next meeting Tuesday, June 16th
At Mia Jarick’s home in Pacific Grove
Contact Mia to RSVP
miajarick1@yahoo.com
831-917-3202
Men’s Bible Study
Pastor Mike leads the weekly Men’s Bible Study
in a new study on The Lord’s Prayer using the book:
We will meet every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the church
(and on Zoom for those who cannot attend in-person).
All men are most welcome! If you’re interested in joining us,
please order the resource.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Mike at
(831) 915-4413 or pastormike@churchintheforest.org.