“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: August 30, 2026
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“God’s Path to Healing”
Matthew 18:15-20
Bible Passages:
Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Matthew 18:15-20
Lector:
Steph Pratt
Deacon:
The Rev. Natalie Stewart
Crucifer:
Marilyn Gorman
Ushers:
Hilary Landry, Gerry Williams, Steve Bellavance
Flowers:
Chuck and Diane Elliot
“In celebration of our 62nd wedding anniversary”
Fellowship:
John and Kathy Ivie
Oblation Bearers:
Mary Jane Sligar and Gail Griggs
Musicians
Solmaaz Adeli, mezzo soprano and cantor
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano and organ
Prelude
American songs in honor of
Labor Day, laborers, and all those who
work to build a better world
Hard Times Come Again No More
Stephen Foster
If I Can Help Somebody
Alma Androzzo, arr. G. Zalva
Simple Gifts
Shaker Tune, arr. Aaron Copland
Goin’ Home
Antonín Dvořák, arr. W. A. Fisher
Offertory
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
Florence Price
Communion
As We Gather At Your Table (Beach Spring) [Vocal solo]The Sacred Harp
Beach Spring
The Sacred Harp, arr. Janet Linker
Postlude
“The Ash Grove”
Welsh tune, arr. Wayne L. Wold
Welcome to guest cantor and mezzo soprano Solmaaz Adeli, a familiar face and long-time friend of Church in the Forest. 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.
Music Coming Up!
September 13
Cathryn Wilkinson, organ
“Bach in the Key of F”
Michelle Boulware, cantor
September 20
Arthur Wu, cantor
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano and organ
September 27
Jon-Mark Hurley, tenor and cantor
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
Dear CitF Family,
This week’s image, which I took while enjoying a sunset in Pacific Grove, captures how God’s light breaks into our darkness. This reality expresses one of the most important things we need to understand, experience and practice as disciples of Jesus, a reality that is described in this week’s scripture passages.
In our Old Testament passage, Exodus 12:1-14, we find God’s description of how the Israelites were to prepare for God’s passing over Egypt just before God delivered the Israelites from slavery. This description was a foretelling of all that would happen when Jesus the Christ died on the cross, God’s means by which we can experience God’s great and necessary healing.
In our New Testament passage, Matthew 18:15-20, we find a description of how we experience healing in our relationships when we find ourselves in conflict. Sadly, it’s all too common that we fall into conflict when we are in ongoing relationships. This happens with family members, friends, work colleagues and fellow church members. We’re especially vulnerable to conflict when we care deeply about something and our desires conflict with the desires of others.
Take time to read and reflect on these passages, considering how these truths apply to your life and your relationships. And let’s always remember that God’s gift of healing is forever available as we live in God’s truth and grace!
Grace and Peace,
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
Discussion led by Laura Harbert
The FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of each month 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
The next meeting is September 15th
At Mia Jarick’s home in Pacific Grove
Contact Mia to RSVP
miajarick1@yahoo.com
831-917-3202
Weekly Women’s Bible Class
Led by Manon Pratt
This 6 week Bible class includes homework and small group meetings.
Wednesdays 4pm-6pm from September 2nd – October 7th.
Please email officemanager@churchintheforest.org to sign up.
Men’s Bible Study
The Thursday morning Men’s Bible Study
will resume on September 10, 2026.
We 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).
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Mike at
(831) 915-4413 or pastormike@churchintheforest.org.