Pastor’s Message

April 22, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Greetings in Christ!

Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!! This is the bright and sunny day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it as we continue to celebrate the season of Easter! After all the rain and cold, the melting snow and ice, and of course the tragic flooding and damage caused by high water in our area, it’s nice to look out our windows and see cobalt blue skies and bright sunshine, isn’t it?

We know that many, many folks are still dealing with wet basements and crawl spaces, and that some have suffered water intrusions into their main living spaces. These tumultuous recent days remind us that no matter what we’re facing, we don’t face it alone. We’ve seen so many stories of people helping people with all manner of things, which is exactly what we are called to as followers of the Risen Lord. Just as Jesus walked along-side the disciples on the road to Emmaus on Easter Sunday, he is walking alongside all who are strug-gling. Let us walk alongside those in need, acting as the hands of Christ, the eyes and ears of Our Lord look-ing and listening to quiet pleas for aid, and the arms of Jesus offering a comforting hug. All of us have lots of spring-cleaning work to do; but to be blunt, raking our yards or setting up our patios are a much lower priority that helping someone recover from floodwaters. There will be time enough for everything else, so please keep an eye out for those in need, and offer loving help if you are able.

Today is a very special day, Professional Administrators Day. We are greatly blessed at the Grand Lake Com-munity Chapel and Westminster Presbyterian Church to have the very capable support and care of three amazingly gifted and intelligent woman: Laurie, Michelle, and Sharey. They go above and beyond to assist us and the churches in the work we do, and are excellent examples of living out love for others. Thank you, our dear office administrators, for all that you do!

Today, let us stand ready to offer whatever assistance we can to family, friends, and neighbors.

God bless you, Karen and Greg

Home: (989) 474-9116, Cell: (734) 502-5969 revgregrc@yahoo.com / revgreggl@yahoo.com revkarenrc@yahoo.com / revkarengl@yahoo.com ________________________________________________________________________________

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Pastor’s Message

April 16, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching Out From Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Greetings in Christ!

He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!! We’re ten days removed from the glories of Easter Sunday, and the truth remains that Christ rose from the grave to change the world for all time; our celebration of that fact should continue for all time as well. On this day when many of us are struggling with rising water levels and flooded basements, it may be difficult to find things to rejoice and be glad about, but this is still the day that the Lord has made.

So let us rejoice in neighbors helping neighbors by sharing pumps and hoses; let us be glad for will-ing hands helping to move treasured heirlooms to higher ground. Let us rejoice in municipal workers doing their utmost to clear away blockages in storm sewers and to repair damaged roads, and let us be glad for a respite from the heavy rains of recent days. Let us rejoice in the certainty that this is a temporary thing, and let us be glad that in the fulness of time, the waters will recede. While what we’re experiencing is nothing like Noah’s flood from the Book of Genesis, for those among us who have been hit the hardest, the pain is every bit as intense; but the promise of relief is also every bit as real, so for those in need, please reach out for help. And for those who are able, please respond with generosity and love. We will get through this event together, with God’s help!

Blessings, Karen and Greg

“But me? I will keep watch for the Lord; I will wait for the God who saves me; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7

Pastor’s Message

April 8, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Greetings in Christ!

Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!! Three days removed from the glory of Easter Sunday; we’re still in the glow of our celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord. Today may be overcast Up North, but nothing can diminish the Light that has driven darkness out of the world. If you’re looking for evidence, a cease-fire has been agreed to in the Iran conflict, with the promise of intense negotiations over the next two weeks to bring lasting peace to the Middle East. Beyond that, it’s getting warmer, the snow piles are melting away, and our beloved Snowbirds are heading north! Much to celebrate, we think!

Of course, our ongoing celebration of Easter is at the center of our lives right now, and we ask you to consider the question we asked on Easter Sunday; what’s left of Easter after the joyous worship services are but a fond memory and the candy is all gone? As we said on Sunday, WE are what’s left of Easter, and we are called to allow God to change us and the world around us. We invite each of you to recommit yourselves to acts of kindness and mercy, to be generous with your time, talent, and treasure in service of God’s Kingdom on Earth, and to be quick to forgive any transgressions against you. This is the work of a Christian, and while it is at times hard work, it is always, always rewarding work. It is this work that can profoundly change the world, one interaction at a time, in one corner of the world at a time. Can you only imagine how different things could be next Easter if all of us took up this work? Amazing!

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

Home: (989) 474-9116, Cell: (734) 502-5969
revgregrc@yahoo.com / revgreggl@yahoo.com
revkarenrc@yahoo.com / revkarengl@yahoo.com
________________________________________________________________________________

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

Pastor’s Message

April 1, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in slowly warming temperatures, and let us be glad for the parking lots at our churches getting larger as the snow piles melt away! While it’s true that the weather forecast for the next couple of days is a little on the dicey side (a bit of snow and sleet is a possibility), it’s undeniable that the tide is turning towards spring-like weather. Praise God!!

Praise God indeed, for this is Wednesday of Holy Week; it is also the first day of Passover for our Jewish friends. The gospel reading for today is from the gospel according to John, and describes Jesus sharing the Passover meal with his disciples. Including Judas Iscariot, who will betray him in the Garden of Gethsemane on Holy Thursday. Whether we like it or not, betrayal is a part of our Holy Week observations, and betrayal is a key element in our journey to the cross; we can’t ignore it, we can’t wish it away. We have to confront it. The good news is that without the betrayal at the Passover, the victory of life over death on the cross could not have happened as it did, and God’s awesome power would not have been on display for all to see on Easter morning. As painful as Judas’ betrayal is for us to remember, we must accept it as part of God’s perfect plan. We know how the story unfolds, and is still unfolding, and it is indeed the greatest story ever told. We have the opportunity to actively participate in the story on Thursday, when we will gather to observe Maundy Thursday and share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We will continue to participate in the story during the Good Friday Vigil from noon to 3:00 pm in both of our beautiful sanctuaries, and then of course when we gather on Easter Sunday to welcome the Risen Christ!

We have made the difficult decision to move our 7:00 am Sonrise Service from the Range Light Park in Presque Isle to the sanctuary at the Grand Lake Community Chapel, as the parking lot and walkway to the pavilion at the park are still snow covered and slippery, making access dangerous. We’ll still worship, and we’ll still enjoy a potluck breakfast at 8:00 am. All are welcome!

Blessings, Karen and Greg

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:47-48

Pastor’s Message

March 26, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in dry streets, driveways, and parking logs, and let us be glad that the weather forecasts aren’t calling for any significant snowfall in the near term! Maybe, 5 days into spring, we can actually begin to think about gardens and lawns! And something other than heavy coats and boots! It’s been a heck of a winter, but hopefully we’re almost ready to declare “it’s over!”

What’s not over is the holy season of Lent. We have just over a week to continue with our Lenten discipline(s), preparing the way of the Lord in our hearts and souls. A lot can happen in a week plus a couple of days, so if you’re not feeling quite ready, that’s OK! You have more than enough time to make a change or two in the way you approach your faith life, to allow the Holy Spirit to fill your soul, to allow Jesus Christ to come alongside you and walk with you. To allow God to lift you up if you’re feeling down or lost. Stay the course, if you’re feeling pretty good about where you are; make a course correction if you’re off track, or invest time in focusing your energy on the Divine presence in your life if you haven’t yet done so. It’s never too late to welcome God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit to be a part of each and every day.

Blessings,
Karen and Greg

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

Pastor’s Message

March 11, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in having reached the mid-point of the holy season of Lent, and let us be glad for more time to get ourselves ready for what is to come during Holy Week and Easter! Like most of you, we’re iced in today. Let us hold those traveling and those working to get the roads open (and stay open!) following the freezing rain that hit our area overnight in our prayers for safety. And let us be grateful for people who are willing to brave the elements to help us be safe. It may be obvious on a day like this, but if you don’t have an urgent reason to be out-and-about, stay home and enjoy a mug of hot cocoa!

Maybe today is a good day to ponder the state of the world, and to ponder what our individual and collective role(s) might be to make things better. Our prayers for peace around the world are essential, of course, as are our prayers for those involved in active combat on all sides of the various conflicts. But our prayers for those impacted by war, natural disaster, and local strife are equally important. Our prayers for the people of Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, Christians in Africa, and other places around the world matter a great deal, as do our prayers for the safety and security of cities and towns around the world who live under threat of terrorist attack. Most of you are probably aware of the attempted bombings in New York City earlier this week, carried out by self-radicalized adherents to ISIS; those misguided persons are deserving of our prayers, as are the law enforcement professionals who responded to the threats. Beyond our earnest prayers, the people living in Southwest Michigan and Indiana need our donations of money and household goods, so that they can get back up on their feet and begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives. If it seems like the needs are almost overwhelming, it’s because they are; but almost overwhelming is a long way away from absolutely overwhelming. When we turn to God for strength and guidance, “almost” becomes “not at all,” for all things are possible with God. Peace is possible with God, relief is possible with God, love for all is possible with God. As we journey ever closer to Easter, we must never forget that God’s got this, no matter what “this” is. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to pray without ceasing, listen intently for the voice of God telling us what to do, and keep our eyes open for opportunities to act. All in the name of Jesus Christ, who is with us always.

Blessings, Karen and Greg

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Pastor’s Message

March 4, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, March 3, 2026

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in a touch of warmth and bright sunshine, and let us be glad for at least a little bit of ice melting away from our driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots! Winter still has a way to go, as all veterans of Up North seasons know, but isn’t it nice to have a “sneak peek” of what’s to come?

We’re now two weeks into the holy season of Lent, and to be honest, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of “holy” happening in the world. The United States and Israel have taken strong military action against Iran, Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, the government of Cuba is teetering on the brink of total collapse, and well-organized and funded protests continue in many cities around the United States. Add to that the drama of primary elections, allegations of massive fraud in some states, and the usual “if it bleeds, it leads” pattern of news reporting, and we could not be blamed for asking “where is God” in all of this. To which we steadfastly declare “God is everywhere.” God is present in the Middle East, Ukraine, and in cities across the country. God is present in Cuba and Venezuela, in Africa, in Presque Isle County, and in each of our hearts and homes. The problem is that while God is present, ready, and willing to make all things right, we aren’t consistent in seeking his help. When the world is burning, our focus is often on ourselves and our immediate concerns; God cares about these things, too, but God wants to know that our concerns extend beyond our personal needs. God wants to hear our prayers for others, whether they are in war zones or in a homeless shelter. As we continue our Lenten journeys, let us be expansive in our prayers for peace, joy, hope, and love so that they encompass all of Creation; whether we like all of Creation or not.

Blessings, Karen and Greg

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people 1 Timothy 2:1

Pastor’s Message

February 25, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in a break from the snowfall, and let us be glad for the (slightly) warmer temperatures that are forecast for the next couple of days, so that we can clean things up a bit! And let us be truly thankful for all those who worked so hard to keep us moving safely. The road crews for the cities and counties deserve our thanks and praise for all their hard work, as do the men and women with snowplows and snowblowers who helped so many of us out over the past several days!

We are now fully into the season of Lent, and so we’re going to ask; how are you doing with the early days of reflection and preparation? What steps have you taken to sharpen your focus on the Divine? If you’re still sorting things out, that’s perfectly fine – it can take a bit of time to put a plan into place. But please do consider putting a plan into place for these forty days that we have been blessed with. Lent is a rare opportunity to think deeply and to pray earnestly about the way we’re approaching our faith, and to seek guidance for ways to make changes so that you can draw closer to God and walk more consistently with Jesus Christ. We don’t often get such a precious gift, and it would be a shame to waste it. If you’re well into your Lenten practice(s), that’s great! We wish you all success! If you’re still planning, we wish you all success! Blessings in this holy season of Lent; may these days bring great joy, great learning, and great growth in your faith!

Blessings, Karen and Greg

Because we are united with Christ, we can come near to God. We are not afraid to do that. We can be sure that God will accept us, because we trust in Christ. Ephesians 3:12

Pastor’s Message

February 18, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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 beginning of a new season of the church year and let us be glad for the opportunities it will present us with! In spite of the severe weather conditions in Northern Michigan, which have sadly forced us to cancel today’s Ash Wednesday services out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of those who would have to travel, the fact of the matter is that today marks the beginning of the Lenten season; a profoundly important time in the lives of believers. As we ready ourselves for this time of reflection and preparation, let us hold in our prayers all those who are working hard to clear away the snow and ice from our roadways, and also let us hold in our prayers the first responders who will brave the harshest elements to serve those in need; they are the true heroes amongst us.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to you, our beloved congregations, for making it possible for us to have checked off a “bucket list” trip, and we thank you for your prayers for our safety as we traveled. As great as it is to explore new places, it is even better to be back home with those whom we love.

Today is a special day in the life of the church; Ash Wednesday (even though we can’t worship together) starts the holy season of Lent. We are asked to look inward today, to examine our hearts and souls to identify those things about ourselves that aren’t always pleasing to God, and that aren’t always pleasing to us. Ash Wednesday invites us to confess our weaknesses, and to ask for forgiveness and guidance in the days that follow, so that we can be better vessels of the Holy Spirit. We seek to be prepared to serve in whatever capacity Almighty God call us to. We bear the mark of ashes today as an outward symbol of inward struggle; struggle against complacency, against the idolatry of our age, against taking the easy way through life instead of the right way – which is at times challenging, but which is always rewarding. We bear the mark of ashes as a reminder that “from dust you came, and to dust you shall return,” and we bear the mark of ashes as a sign that the only Son of God went to the cross for our sake; which reminds us that we are of enormous value, because we are loved by the Most High God. We bear the mark of ashes today as a sign of penitence, but also as a sign of hope that we can rise from the ashes of sin and shortcomings to stand side-by-side as brothers and sisters in service of Christ and to change the world for the better. Let the holy season of Lent change you this year, starting with the mark of ashes and going on to the mark of glory that is ours to claim on Easter Sunday.

Blessings, Karen and Greg

You are dust, and to dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19

Pastor’s Message

January 21, 2026 ~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

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 calmness of the days of the season after the Epiphany, and let us be glad for the season of Lent that is drawing ever-closer! Sooner than we think, we’ll be gathering to worship on Ash Wednesday to begin the 40-day (Sundays are not included in Lenten observations) period of preparation. In the meantime, we a few more weeks to enjoy a less-structured faith walk!

With the bitter cold temperatures we’re experiencing in Presque Isle County, turmoil around the world and here in our country, and dreams of warm and sunny climes for some of us, it’s probably a good thing to have several days to take stock of where things stand in our lives. Certainly, we’re all praying for peace everywhere, certainly we’re all praying for good health, certainly we’re all praying for the hope, peace, joy, and love that was so prominent during Advent and Christmas to transform our world; but are we praying for God’s guidance, both for ourselves and for others? Let’s be honest, shall we? Without God’s guidance, it’s highly unlikely that the messes we human beings have created are going to be cleaned up; this is not a political statement, it’s merely an observation. Maybe, just maybe, if we all stop shouting at each other, if we all stop blaming the “other guys” and turned to the Triune God for guidance, we might start having conversations instead of arguments. And from those conversations will come creative solutions, and from those creative solutions will come the peace and prosperity that we seek. It’s worth a try, isn’t it?

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

Home: (989) 474-9116, Cell: (734) 502-5969
revgregrc@yahoo.com / revgreggl@yahoo.com
revkarenrc@yahoo.com / revkarengl@yahoo.com

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14