Dear Friends,

Back in 1987 Lamont Wiltsee took a chance on Church in the Forest.

Joe Wandke, Stevenson School Headmaster, Paul Woudenberg, a Methodist minister, and Clifford “Coach” Wilson, an Episcopal priest, were standing before the mostly unused Erdman Chapel and  joked, “We should create a church for this beautiful building — one we’d would actually like to attend!”

But that dream and faith needed a “can-do” spirit and they found it in the Reverend Lamont Wiltsee.   Lamont brought our church to birth, going from door to door in Pebble Beach to tell neighbors about the new church, typing and mimeographing every bulletin, leading services and caring for the congregation, with no “net” but his faith.

This Sunday Lamont will preach on a passage from Paul, that exhorts, “See that you also excel in the grace of giving.”  Lamont has earned the authority to preach on this: he spilled himself out generously on this uncertain venture.  And now our church is a bedrock of faith, community and Christian influence — because Lamont was willing to take a risk!

Creating God’s future takes risk and faith.  Join us this Sunday to grow in both.