Pastors Message

Reaching Out from

Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in the delights of Up North summer, and let us be glad for the myriad opportunities for rest, relaxation, and recreation that are arrayed before us in Presque Isle County! Sometimes there are so many things to choose from, we don’t know which way to turn! Summer concerts by the lake in Rogers City, ice cream socials at Grand Lake, farmer’s markets, and gatherings of family and friends; we’re blessed beyond measure with choices!

We’re also blessed beyond measure to walk through the forest, along the beach, or among the vacationers, side-by-side with our Risen Lord. As the classic hymn “In The Garden” reminds us, “he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” No matter where we are, no matter what we’re doing, we are in the presence of Jesus Christ; that simple fact should fill us with confidence and joy, and makes our experiences all the more incredible. So don’t rush through your day, with your head filled with the “have-to’s” of life, never looking up to see the beauty around you – tarry with the Lord, saunter through the woods, splash in the lake as it laps on the beach. Walk every day with Jesus, and every day will be richer and fuller than you can imagine!

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord;
walk as children of Light Ephesians 5:8

A Message From the Desk of Toby the Church Dog

Hello dear friends!

Guess what??!? I just turned six years old! Mom and Dad gave me some extra cuddles and some birthday ice cream; and my sis shared birthday wishes with me over the phone. It was a great day! I’m told that now my age is equivalent to 42 in human years. It seems that this would mean that I am wiser now, but I know I still have so much more to learn. However, there are a few thoughts and ideas that have come to me recently that I’d appreciate sharing.

You may have noticed that I’m a bit height challenged. Don’t get me wrong; I have fine-tuned my ability to conquer heights of all kinds with my mind, muscles, and daring, but largely I spend my time close to the ground. This brings me very close to your feet, people. I, myself, spend a good chunk of my day cleaning my feet; foot hygiene is a priority to me. May I lovingly suggest, my friends, that you add a few more minutes of foot-licking to your day too. After all, happy feet – happy hearts!
I have been pondering whether humans realize how disorderly life would be without their animal friends. Do you know how much you drop!??? Just in the kitchen alone there are crumbs, cooking spatters, and big “oops” moments. I stand ready at all times to relieve my family of the burden of their messiness—and let me tell you, it can be a challenge! I also work to train, and re-train, loved ones when they neglect to pick-up after themselves. For this I use several methods. For instance, if Dad drops a note or paper napkin to the floor, I give it a good chew and then put it back where I found it. The result? Dad drops less paper! If my sis sets down her gaming controller or a book, I enjoy creating a game of chase by grabbing them and running. What fun we have; and we have good exercise too! The result? I have a neater Sis and house!
I’ve noticed that whenever I am with humans lately it seems either much quieter or much louder than I am used to hearing. We canines are pretty good at sensing distress, concern, or pain in our people; and so it always surprises me to discover that humans don’t seem to recognize these things in each other. When I sense pain, I sit closer, share a kiss, nudge a hand, and generally do my best to lend a loving and caring presence. In the past I would see many humans doing this too, but not so much anymore. Instead, I hear people speaking more loudly and listening less. I see bodies with arms and mouths tightly clenched. And what disturbs me the most; I witness more people walking away from each other than toward each other. I am sensing so much hurt that sometimes this puppy hasn’t a clue where to turn first. But, I try not to let the abundance of the need paralyze me. I just go forth and share love with as many people as I can, hoping that this will make a difference.

I am very grateful for the six years you have shared with me. Knowing you makes this puppy’s life so much better!

I love you, dear friends,

TOBY

VBS Is In Full SWING!