“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: November 8, 2026
SERMON
This Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert
“Rich Towards God”
Luke 12:13-21
Bible Passages:
Deuteronomy 26:1-15; Psalm 25:1-9; Luke 12:13-21
Lector:
Hilary Landry
Crucifer:
Will Jansma
Ushers:
Steve Bellavance and Carle Mowell
Flowers:
Sis and Mick Connolly
“In celebration of our 56th Wedding anniversary”
Fellowship:
Joan Procter and Lynn Goree
Musicians
Diane Ehlers, cantor
Peggy Pfeifer, recorder
Chloe Thompson, violin
Cathryn Wilkinson, piano and organ
Prelude
Music from Taizé……….Jacques Berthier
Bonum est confidere
(It is a good thing to trust and hope in the Lord)
My Soul Is At Rest in God Alone
O Christe Domine Jesu (O Christ, Lord Jesus)
Recognition of those serving in the Armed Forces
Armed Forces Medley……….arr. Gene Roberson
Offertory
Surrexit Christus……….Jacques Berthier
(Christ is Risen, Sing to the Lord)
Organ Postlude
Pièce Heroïque (Heroic Song)……….Jean Langlais
Welcome, guest musicians!
Diane Ehlers is an active vocalist and member of Aria and Monterey Peninsula Voices.
Peggy Pfeifer is a member of Church in the Forest. She is happy to draw on her years of music experience as a teacher and church musician to play for us. She is playing a recorder, a type of wooden flute dating back to the 14th century in mainland Europe.
Chloe Thompson, violin, is a senior at Santa Catalina School and a member of Youth Music Monterey.
Music of Taizé is from the repertoire of a small Christian community in Taizé, France. Beginning with a youth congress in 1974, music of the Taizé community has spread worldwide, enabling people to share in worship and meditation. You can find more scripture-based songs from Taizé and a prayerful, meditative atmosphere on YouTube – just search “My Soul is at Rest, Taizé.”
We honor military veterans and those still in uniform with “Armed Forces Medley” and “Heroic Song.” “Heroic Song” was composed by Jean Langlais in honor of a colleague, fellow organist, and composer Jehan Alain, who was killed in service during World War II. Alain was posthumously awarded the Cross of War by the French government.
Music Coming Up
November 15th
Janneke Hoogland, cello
November 22nd
Karen Neal, mezzo soprano
Brian Neal, trumpet
The Rev. Dr. Michael Harbert
Pastor's Letter
Dear CitF Family,
We now enter our season of Thanksgiving and Stewardship. This is one of our most important seasons, when we reflect on all the gifts God gives and prayerfully consider how we are stewarding God’s gracious gifts.
I pray that all of us will take time during this important season to truly reflect on all we have received, considering how we are using what God has given us. How is the life we are living expressing gratitude to God for God’s unmerited gifts? Are there changes needed in how we are spending the gifts God gives us?
All family members will receive our Stewardship letter soon, which gives guidance on how we will move through this season as a family of faith. If you do not receive the stewardship letter, please let us know in the church office so we can send it to you. We don’t want any of you who are part of our church family (wherever you are living right now) to miss out on the gifts this season holds!
We begin our reflections by focusing on Deuteronomy 26:1-5, Psalm 25:1-9, and Luke 12:3-21. I’ve titled this week’s sermon, “Rich Towards God,” using the words Jesus speaks in our Gospel passage. Take time to reflect on these passages as we enter this season of reflection and response.
I’m praying that none of us will miss out on the gifts God longs to give as we walk through this season together, and I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!
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 November 17th
At Mia Jarick’s home in Pacific Grove
Contact Mia to RSVP
miajarick1@yahoo.com
831-917-3202
Beginning December 1st, Women’s Bible Study
will be only on the first Tuesday of each month.
Men’s Bible Study
The Thursday morning Men’s Bible Study
meets 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.