image of the Greg Harrold Organ

“I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.” – attributed to J. S. Bach, 1685-1750

When you walk into Church in the Forest you enter a space that invites you to reflect and open up your senses. Music on Sunday mornings adds another dimension to the experience of coming into God’s presence. Music at Church in the Forest sparks our imaginations and encourages us to listen for God’s voice.

Beginning with a 15-minute prelude leads us into worship. Each Sunday’s music is planned to match the Biblical reading and focus for that day. We listen to soloists and ensembles and we sing hymns together from a variety of cultures in the Christian tradition.

Church in the Forest is beautifully suited for music with its excellent acoustics and fine musical instruments. Of particular importance is the Greg Harrold, Opus 12 organ built and installed in 1992. This baroque instrument is perfectly sited high in the rear balcony. The traditional wine-glass shaped cabinet is made of mahogany. Pipe work is of wood and tin alloys; the exposed front metal pipes are gilded, polished and embossed. The wonderful acoustics of Erdman Chapel enhance the tonality of this exceptional instrument. In addition, Church in the Forest acquired a Steinway Model B Grand Piano in 1995 to complement its wonderful music program.

image of children's choir visiting Church in the Forest

We welcome a wide variety of professional and amateur guest musicians to share their talents at Church in the Forest. We offer a variety of styles, instruments, and voices, consistently celebrating the talents of musicians and the power of music to move and inspire

Music Director at Church in the Forest, Cathryn Wilkinson, earned her bachelor’s degree in music from The College of William and Mary, and Master of Fine Arts and Ph.D. from The University of Iowa School of Music.

Cathryn holds the Associateship (AAGO) and Colleague (CAGO) certificates of the American Guild of Organists and has volunteered locally and nationally to support the Guild’s education programs.

As Church in the Forest Cantor, Jubal Joslyn, lends his lyrical tenor voice to enhance the worship experience. A graduate from Brigham Young University with a Masters in Classical Voice Performance, with ease and expressivenes, he coaxes the shyest voice to join in the celebration.