Tag: bible

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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-warming air and abundant rainfall, and let us be glad for the lushness of the earth that flows from these things! It’s awe-inspiring to look at the beauty around us, with flowers in bloom and trees sporting their full coats of leaves. We are truly blessed by the generosity of Almighty God in sharing Creation with us!

We are also truly blessed to enter into the days after Pentecost, when we are free to focus on our relationship with the Divine without planning for the next “big day” on the calendar. We often overlook these days, because they’re so, well, so ordinary; but these are the days when we can put our newly-invigorated faith to work, to let our spirits soar and our hearts sing out with joy in our everyday living. It’s true that the warm-weather months gift us with all manner of delights, as the ice cream stands reopen, the golf courses and tennis courts are ready for play, and the beaches beckon us to come and sit for a while; but it’s equally true that these are the weeks and months when the real work of the church gets done. These are the days and weeks and months during which we can live out what we say we believe, when we can make a real difference in the lives of those in need. These are the days when we can allow ourselves to recognize our own needs, to accept that our needs matter just as much as those of others, and to revel in the fact that we have the time to address those needs. In these quieter times, before the Season of Advent rolls around again, we humbly suggest that it’s OK to pay attention to you. It’s OK to be a little inwardly focused, because you matter, too.

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

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, May 7, 2025


Greetings in Christ!

Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!! As we continue our journey through the fifty days of the Easter season, the message of the traditional greeting rings true; Jesus the Christ overcame death and walks with us each and every day. As spring takes firm hold of the weather outdoors, gradually warming the earth and welcoming flowers in our gardens and buds on the trees, Christ takes firm hold of our hearts and souls as he guides us ever forward!

Now, let’s be honest; anyone who has lived north of the 45th parallel for more than a couple of years knows that Mother Nature may have a trick or two up her sleeve, so it’s best to not bury the snow shovel too deep in the garage or shed! At the same time, anyone who has experienced more than a couple of Easters knows that the promises of redemption, eternal life, and deep joy are freely given and are ours forever! But these promises aren’t entirely free; we have to say “yes” to the offer, and we have to make a few changes in the way we approach the world. These changes aren’t particularly hard, but they will mark you as being “different” in the eyes of the world; you’ll have to resist temptation, reject evil, and embrace compassion, forgiveness, and love. You’ll also be asked to adopt and attitude of gratitude, and commit to a life of service. That doesn’t sound like too high a price to pay for eternity in Paradise with our Lord, does 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

And over all these virtues put on love,
which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 9, 2025


Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice that the ice from last week’s storms has melted away, and let us be glad for the hard-working crews from across the region and across the country who worked tirelessly to restore power to most of us, and now to clear away the debris. Let us also rejoice and be glad for neighbors helping neighbors, for businesses opening their doors (without power) to try to make essential products available during the protracted darkness and cold. It’s a pretty safe bet that none of us want to experience anything like this ever again, but it’s an equally safe bet that a whole lot of people were at their very best during the storm and its aftermath.

It was easy to see the hand of God as the days wore on, and those with the means to help did exactly that; warming shelters quickly established, folks with generators opening their homes to those without heat and light, National Guard troops rapidly mobilized to aid those in need. And now, as the cleanup continues and the last pockets of power outages are dealt with, we see the hand of God at work in neighbors being helped – those gloved hands that you might have thought belonged to the guy next door are in fact the hands of God. As we continue our journey with Jesus to the cross, let us all remember that Christ gave a new commandment to his disciples, to love one another as he had loved them. Let us love one another as Christ has loved us by reaching out to all who have need, and doing whatever is in our power to help; it could be picking up branches, it could be hauling damaged items out of a flooded basement, it could be preparing a meal. Or it could be holding a hand or sharing a prayer. Let your hands be the hand of God. Let your heart be the heart of Christ. We will get through this, and we will do so together.

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

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

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 evolving season of spring, and let us be glad for the delights it brings! OK, maybe that’s a bit much on the morning after yet another dumping of snow and cold air, but it’s hard to argue that it isn’t beautiful outside with the sunshine reflecting off the pristine snow and a gentle breeze barely rustling the branches of the trees. The old adage that ‘March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” is certainly being tested this year!

What isn’t being tested is our journey to the cross, as we continue in our observation of the Lenten season. Day-by-day, we come ever closer to Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, his Passion, and his ultimate victory over sin and death. Day-by-day, as we invest in our personal relationships with the Almighty, we begin to see ourselves in a new light, a light of faith and commitment, a light of spiritual rebirth. We’ve said it many times, but we believe it to be true; this is a wonderful, marvelous season in the life of the faithful and of the church, one which we encourage you to fully embrace and savor. We look forward to sharing the rest of the journey with each of you, trusting in God’s infinite grace and wisdom to guide each of us to exactly where we need to end up. God is good, all the time; and all the time, God is good!

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

Trust in the Lord and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

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 respite from heavy snowfall (for at least a little while), and let us again be glad for the hardworking crews across the county who face off against dangerous conditions to clear the roads for us. It was certainly a tough call to cancel worship last Sunday, but keeping everyone safe is our highest priority. Hopefully we won’t have to miss worship again this winter! According to the meteorologists (and a groundhog or two!), we still have four weeks of winter to go, so we must be patient, but also hopeful; we know spring is coming!

As Presque Isle County slowly digs out from under the snow, and as we let our minds wander a bit to the change of seasons to come, we will be well-served to think about comfort; not necessarily comfort in the sense of warm homes and cozy sweaters, but the comfort of God’s presence in our lives. He’s been with us through the storms, he’s been with us as we’ve traveled, and he’s with us as we go through every day. God’s comfort can take the form of a warm feeling washing over us when we’re frightened, or it can take the form of a friendly wave from a passer-by, or it can look a lot like a snowplow cruising past our house. We can relax into God’s comfort wherever we are and whenever we need to feel reassured. As we read in Isaiah 40:1, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” All is well, for God is close by.

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

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant. Psalm 119:76

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

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 pristine blanket of snow covering the ground, and let us be glad for the hard-working men and women who move that pristine snow off the roads! Winter Up North is at times breathtakingly beautiful, but getting around can at times be challenging, so all of us owe a debt of gratitude to those who clean up after a snowfall, even if that’s a member of our own households!

This week’s communication will be a bit different than you’ve become accustomed to. During the pandemic, we sent a daily message of hope and encouragement, along with some things we thought might be helpful during those long locked down days. When we were able to be out and about a little more, we transitioned to a weekly note very similar to what we had been sending out daily, and added a current prayer list. Starting with this week’s email, the “Midweek Update” will consist of words that we hope will be inspiring and thought-provoking, and a list of prayer joys and concerns. We welcome your feedback on the Midweek Update; is it too much, too little, or just about right. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Soon we will be entering into the Season of Lent as we observe Ash Wednesday on March 5th; but right now, we’re very much in an in-between time, a time perfectly suited for reflection and study. As we look out on the snowy landscape while nestled into our favorite chair, maybe with a blanket and a mug of something hot to sip on too, we are able to let our minds wander and consider the thoughts and ideas that come our way. And then we can approach our God in prayer to get his thoughts on what has come to us; are there actions we are to take, are there actions we are to avoid, are there things that we should dig into more deeply? The quiet times are when we can best focus on listening; and if we can be patient, we’ll begin to hear incredible things, things that can change our lives forever. Take full advantage of these quieter days. Be still and listen. And when the time comes, get up out of that comfy chair and act on what you’ve heard. If you’ve been listening carefully, you will have been blessed to have heard the voice of God falling gently on your ear. And you will know that God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good.

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

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


For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

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 days getting steadily longer, and let us be glad for the pristine beauty of newly fallen snow that surrounds us during this season. Your pastors are both dealing with the “crud,” so we’re writing this week’s message from home; neither of us can remember feeling quite this lousy, and we know some of you, our beloved church families, are dealing with it as well. Perhaps we should be glad for warm drinks, cozy blankets, and the love of Toby the Church Dog as he goes back-and-forth between us to bring comfort!

We are now into the season of the church year known as “Ordinary Time.” We’ve talked about this over the years, but it’s worth repeating that there’s nothing “ordinary” about Ordinary Time! All it means is that there aren’t any feast days or special observances until we get to the Season of Lent in early March. This quieter time of the church year is when our focus is on living the lives we are called to as Christians; focusing on being kind, loving, generous, and compassionate people, even if the world around us isn’t too keen on these things. Our way of being can, and will, change this world for the better; so let us embrace our calls to be different! And let us hold our brothers and sisters in California, and everywhere around the world where there is strife, in ardent prayer. Let us seek ways to contribute to relief efforts as we are able. And let us trust that our prayers will be heard and our efforts will be successful!

With our love,

Karen and Greg

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

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and
will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, January 8, 2025


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 new year and all the
opportunities it presents, and let us be glad for the happy memories of the Christmas season that has just come to an
end. It may take a while for it to sink in, but we’re in the Year of Our Lord 2025, and it promises to be a year full of
personal and spiritual growth, adventures, and probably a few surprises. We look forward to sharing the year to come
with all of you!
This coming Sunday will be the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, a truly significant day in the life of our Lord and
Savior, and a truly significant day in our own lives as well as we remember our own baptisms. For many of us, who were
baptized as infants or young children, we most likely don’t have very clear memories of our baptisms, but we certainly
have heard the stories and seen the photographs of that great day. And we have known the joy and confidence that
being baptized into the protection and love of the Body of Christ has given us. It’s fitting to start the new year with a
reminder of our baptisms, and it’s fitting to renew our commitment to living into the hope and promise that having been
baptized represents. Let us join together in celebrating the Baptism of the Lord, and let us join together in remembering
and honoring our own baptisms, and the vows made on our behalf when we were sealed into the protection of Christ’s
church. And let us also remember that God is good, all the time; and all the time, God is good! Here’s wishing each and
every one of you a grand and glorious 2025!
With our love,
Karen and Greg
Home: (989) 474-9116, Cell: (734) 502-5969
revgregrc@yahoo.com / revgreggl@yahoo.com
revkarenrc@yahoo.com / revkarengl@yahoo.com

I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who
believes in Me will not remain in darkness. John 12:46

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

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 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