Author: laurieagould

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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 second week of the Season of Advent, and let us be glad the Christmas Day is only two weeks away! Or, let us panic because Christmas Day is only two weeks away, depending on how ready you are (or aren’t) to celebrate the birth of the Light of the World, Jesus the Christ.

We talked quite a bit about preparation last week, and of course the good news of today is that we have more time to become fully ready for Christmas Day. If you’re bordering on full panic mode, we encourage you to take a deep breath, and take a look at where you truly are in your preparations; odds are that there’s a lot more done than you might give yourself credit for. If you’re blissfully content with the state of things, we encourage you to take a deep breath, and be happy! But the truth is that none of us are likely fully prepared, because we haven’t fully invested in making our hearts and souls ready. Oh, sure, we’ve been attending worship regularly, we’ve kept our daily prayers going, and we simply can’t avoid the feeling of the Christmas Season that’s all around us. All of this is great and wonderful, but now is the time to sit down with our Bibles and turn to the beginning of the Gospel according to Matthew or the Gospel according to Luke (or maybe both, just don’t get hung up in the differences between the two tellings of the birth of Christ!), and read the story of how Jesus came into the world, to bring Light and Life and Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love into our lives for all time. Savor the story, and be reminded of how it all began. We’re confident that you’ll be filled with good things. Blessings,

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

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Pastor’s Message

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Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

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 anticipation that is inherent in the Advent season, and let us be glad that we have time to make sure all of our plans are in place for our Christmas celebrations! As much as we’d like to proclaim “Merry Christmas” right now, and be about the business of joyously proclaiming the Savior’s birth, we can’t; we’ve got some prep work to do!

That prep work isn’t limited to seeking the perfect gift for everyone on our list, or making sure that our homes are perfectly decorated with a mix of the latest technology and much-loved heirlooms of the season. The most important (and toughest) prep work is making our hearts and souls ready for Christmas Day, the day that Light will come into the world and make all things new. For those of us who have been around for a few Christmases past, it might be easy to fall prey to thinking that we’ve done this so many times before, so what’s left to get ready? We understand the significance of Christmas, we know how the stories unfold, we have proclaimed our love for God and adoration of the Christ Child, so can’t we please get on with hanging tinsel on the tree and baking more cookies? Well, you can if you wish, but in our experience if we don’t intentionally focus on the “reason for the season,” to borrow an overworked cliché, we’ll lose the “reason for the season” amongst the scraps of wrapping paper and unwashed baking pans. Advent and Christmas are holy times, and if our focus isn’t on the activities of the Divine in our lives, then we’re truly missing the point. So, please enjoy the shopping and baking and decorating that help make the season bright, but please also remember that the birth of Christ is why we celebrate.

Blessings,

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

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

Pastor’s Message

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Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, November 20, 2024


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 anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, and let us be glad that we still have time to get ready! Let us rejoice as travel arrangements are finalized, and shopping lists are coming together. Let us be glad that seasonal decorations are coming out of storage, and let us be glad for the delight that we feel as our homes are transformed. While we’re not quite into “the best time of the year,” to borrow from a favorite holiday song, we’re getting close.

Anticipation is a unique feeling, isn’t it? Some of us tingle with joy as we think about what is just over the horizon, others grumble, and still others panic. The funny thing is, we can’t do anything to make time move at a different pace; we can’t speed things up so that the holidays get here sooner (for some), or slow things down so that everything can be “just so” when they arrive (for some). As we read in Ecclesiastes 3:1; there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. And that includes holiday preparations; which also includes spiritual preparations, or it should. It’s easy to get caught up in the pre-season whirlwind, so caught up that we don’t remember why we’re getting ready. So consider this a gentle reminder from your friendly neighborhood pastors; take time to pray as you prepare; take time to be still amidst the rush; and take time to be thankful for what you have received and what you will receive in the future. Make the holidays truly holy.

Blessings,

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

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, November 13, 2024


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 spectacular Up North morning, and let us be glad that (almost) all of the political signs are gone and that in the week following the elections things seem to be calming down a bit. Most of the leaves are down, so final yard cleanups can begin, and hopefully we’ll enjoy a few weeks of quiet on the weather front so that we can get our work done, and holiday decorations in place!

It’s hard to believe that we’re only two weeks away from the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, which traditionally kicks off the year-end holiday season. This year, U.S. Thanksgiving is only a couple of days before the beginning of Advent, which is the real holy day that should be our focus. But, that’s not to say that we shouldn’t honor the holiday with happy gatherings of family and friends, and a heapin’ helpin’ of thanks and praise for the One who provides all things. We hope that all who are reading this message are well along in their planning for Thanksgiving, if not yet into preparation mode. But we also hope that all who are reading this message remember every day, that we have much to be thankful for: the beauty of God’s Creation, the love of family and friends, the joy of anticipating what is to come in only a few weeks, and the never-ending love of God and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that enfolds us. And we should also remember that, regardless of how the elections turned out, regardless of some of the challenges life puts in our paths, we are blessed beyond measure because Almighty God is with us every step of the way, watching over us as a loving parent does. As a loving parent, sometimes God lets us go off on our own way, even though it may not be the right path, and is waiting with open arms when we stumble back home. Something to be truly thankful for.

Blessings,

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

I will praise the name of God with a song;
I will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Pastor’s Message

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Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, November 6, 2024


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 beautiful Up North Wednesday, and let us be glad that the long election season has finally come to an end. Based on the results of yesterday’s elections, about half of us are pleased, and about half of us are not. While the final numbers have yet to be tallied, it is clear that we the people have spoken, and there will be new political leadership at local, state, and federal levels. Now is the time to take down the yard signs, take off the buttons, and go about our everyday business; and to work tirelessly for unity and peace.

Psalm 133 reminds us that it is good and pleasant when sisters and brothers come together in unity. One of the presidential candidates said a few days ago that there is much more that brings us together than separates us; and while we may (or may not) agree with other things this particular candidate advocates for, this sentiment is absolutely true. It’s kind of like the way Christian denominations have evolved over the millennia; we agree that God is in charge, that Jesus Christ came to Earth to save us, and that the Holy Spirit indwells each of us. We agree that God is love, and that love conquers all. We read from the same Bibles, sing many of the same hymns, and recite the Lord’s Prayer in worship. But we disagree on about 5% of doctrine and details of Scriptural translation, and so we separate ourselves; and in this the body of Christ, which is the church, is diminished. In the Pledge of Allegiance, we profess that the United States is “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” an ideal and a goal that we strive to achieve. The election is over, now the real work of coming together begins. As people of faith, it falls to us to lead, to console, and to heal. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work, trusting that God will give us the wisdom and strength to overcome the forces that would divide and destroy.

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 I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. John 17:11

Pastor’s Message

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Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, October 30, 2024


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 gentle change in the seasons, and let us be glad that we still have time to take care of buttoning up our homes for the coming colder weather. Most of the leaves are down, but not yet frozen to the turf, so we can still rake them up (or wait for the wind to gift our neighbors with them) and dispose of them. It’s far too dry to have a bonfire, but many of us can remember the aroma of burning leaves that signaled the end of fall. Of course, tomorrow is Halloween, so we all have to be on the lookout for little ghosts and goblins searching for treats!

This is our last email newsletter before the election on November 5th, and we know that many of you are more than ready for this contentious election season to be over; but we would be remiss if we didn’t remind you of the importance of voting. We have the rare and wonderful opportunity to prayerfully choose those who will govern for a time, and we have the obligation to let them do the jobs they were chosen to do. If we approach our civic duty in a prayerful way, we have to trust that God will be present in the workings of our government, even if our individual vote went to a different candidate. And, if our preferred candidates aren’t elected, we will have to accept the majority decision and work within the system to effect a change at the next opportunity. Abraham Lincoln quoted Matthew 12:25 when he said “a house divided against itself cannot stand” in a speech given on June 16, 1858. It was true then, and it is true today. While we may disagree on some things, we must come together around a set of core principles and values, or the nation, and Christ’s plan that we be loving and supportive of one another, will fail.

Blessings,

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

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, October 16, 2024


Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in family and friends, wherever they may be, and let us be glad for the opportunities that present themselves to spend time with those near and dear to us! While we’re still about a month away from the traditional holiday season that starts with Thanksgiving, it’s nice to anticipate joyful gatherings, so let us rejoice and be glad for what is just over the horizon!

Sometimes it’s easy to take relationships for granted; to assume that those special people in our lives will always be available to us for fun events or when we’re in need of support. But, life has taught us that that isn’t always the case; whether it be due to long distances between us, or the distractions of everyday life, or sadly because a special person has gone on to the Church Triumphant. We lose touch with important people all too often. It’s been said that there is nothing quite so grand as a good friend, and if you’ll pardon the reference to a favorite Christmas movie of ours, It’s a Wonderful Life; no man (or woman) is a failure who has friends. So let us humbly suggest that this is the perfect day to reach out to a friend with whom you may have lost contact; be that friend, a family member, or an old pal. Friendships are precious things, things to be nurtured and honored. Think about it, Jesus called his disciples friends, not buddies or chums or traveling companions. He died for them, and for us. Friendships matter, so care for them.

Blessings,

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

I do not cease to give thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers, Ephesians 1:16

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

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 opportunity to enjoy the blessings of God’s good creation, and let us be glad that there are countless ways to do so. Everywhere we look, we can see God’s handiwork, the intricate balance of life in its various forms, and we are in awe (or we should be). Let’s allow ourselves to be wowed today!

Unfortunately for so many in the south, God’s good creation is under stress today; the aftermath of Hurricane Helene reveals new tragedies every day, and the preparations for Hurricane Milton have disrupted lives along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and has left the people of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico reeling. Many in our congregations have family and friends in Milton’s path, and others have winter homes in the threatened areas. Many of us wonder why do these things happen? Why are there storms in life; why is there such awful destruction; why is there sometimes death as a result of hurricanes and tornadoes and other natural disasters? Is God angry with us? No, he’s not; he may be frustrated with us, or he may be disappointed in us, but he’s not angry with us. When disaster strikes, God grieves with us; God walks with us; God takes care of us; perhaps not in the way we would prefer; perhaps not on the timeline we would specify; but let there be no doubt that God is present, enfolding us in his arms and making all things right. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters impacted by the storms of life, and let us also have absolute faith that God’s got this, and we may well be part of his answer.

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

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

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

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 truly spectacular Up North day, and let us be glad for crisp morning air and comfortable afternoon temperatures (and for working furnaces…). This is one of those incredible early autumn days when the trees are showing off the beginnings of their seasonal color change, brightly illuminated by the sun against a cobalt blue sky. God has quite the artists’ touch, eh?

Unfortunately, much of the rest of God’s good Creation isn’t in particularly good shape today; death and destruction in the Middle East and Ukraine dominate the news, the political divisions in the United States and other nations around the world are driving heated exchanges and violence, and the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene is almost beyond comprehension. People of faith are left wondering what to do? The “easy” answer is to pray, which we’re confident is happening, but is there more? Yes, there is; there are relief agencies that can receive donations of money and supplies, if you are able to make a contribution. Some communities are organizing drives to collect much-needed articles of clothing and basic supplies. A few people are able to volunteer in the hardest-hit areas, to provide relief to government and private sector crews who are working beyond the point of exhaustion. And we can all pray, and pray fervently for those directly impacted by the above mentioned events; this coming Sunday presents us with a unique opportunity to join with Christian brothers and sisters on World Communion Sunday, sharing the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in a display of solidarity. These are hard times, to be sure, but the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit will see us through to a bright tomorrow.

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

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

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:12

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

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 slowly emerging autumn season, and let us be glad for the beauty around us as it begins to change into its colorful finery. This is a wonderful time to be Up North (isn’t it always a wonderful time to be Up North?), a wonderful time to explore, and a wonderful time to get reacquainted with favorite seasonal traditions and activities. We invite you to join us in embracing all that God has prepared for us to enjoy!

If it seems as if the news is almost universally bad lately, you’d be right; when was the last time there was a story about a country on the other side of the world that wasn’t focused on a tragedy of some kind, or a report about a community in our own country that’s made great progress in addressing a challenge? Sure, every now and then, we’ll come across news of a medical breakthrough, or a feel-good story in the local media, but the old adage “if it bleeds, it leads” certainly dominates news coverage far more than it used to. We think it’s fair to assume that everybody knows that we don’t live in a utopian society, and that there are serious issues to be dealt with, but would it hurt if there were a more optimism in the air? Those of us with a foundation in faith know that God is good, Creation is good, and that the future is full of promise; and that today is pretty darn decent as well. The world needs an attitude adjustment, away from despair and towards joy; this is a choice each of us can make every day, and if enough of us are intentional about choosing joy, the rest of the world will soon join us – because joy is a whole lot better than despair!

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

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

I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.

Philippians 4:13