Tag: bible

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

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

From the desk of

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Toby the Church dog

Hello dear friends!

I try to be a good boy; I really do. In spite of this, I sometimes hear my name said sharply by my parents. “Toby!” Now when I hear my name, I generally stop what I’m doing and turn my attention to the speaker. It might be you or another of my friends, and I never want to miss out on an interaction with someone special to me. But, when my name is repeated again and again in a tone that I find annoying, I tend to tune it out. Unfortunately, this happens almost daily within my house; and the vocal tone seems to become more strident if I ignore the call to attention.

Sometimes additional words are added to my spoken name. Frequently I hear, “Toby, No bark!” Frankly, this hurts my feelings. It’s not as if I bark just to hear myself talking—well, not often, anyway.  I bark to alert, to warn, to greet, to protect, and for so many other reasons: “I hear a noise, I hear a noise, I hear a noise!”, “Hey you! Get off my sidewalk!”, or “Well hello there, pretty lady!” While I don’t like to brag, I do have quite a nice voice; a pleasing baritone, if you will. As needed I can dip down into a bass range, and I can even sustain my vocalization as needed to make my point! You want to hear a vibrato; I’ve got it too! Yes, I don’t think there is anything wrong with my voice; certainly not something that should cause someone (my parents!) to “shush” me. 

In fact, I do try to be mindful of my surroundings and to adopt a demeanor of dignified reserve when called for. Mom and Dad are often complimenting me on how well I get into a zone of rest and reflection when I bring them to my office and monitor their work. I find that they are easily distracted, and I work to set a good example.

While it may look to the outside world as if I am merely sleeping, this could not be farther from the truth! I believe time with God is so important; and it cannot always be about my requests, my concerns, and my worries handed to God —sometimes I need to listen. And that is what I’ve decided to do! I quiet myself and wait to hear (or feel) what God wishes to share with me.  This I know; God always has something important to share with us!

Nothing can ever quiet me in proclaiming my care for you, dear friends! Know that you are loved by me.

Your church dog,
ToBY

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

Psalm 62:5

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, May 22, 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 warm (albeit overcast) spring morning, and let us be glad for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.  Let us rejoice that old friends are beginning to return to Northern Michigan for “the season,” and let us be glad that we are blessed with the opportunity to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, so that the blessings of freedom have been ours to enjoy for 248 years.

As we prepare to step into summer, it’s helpful to look back on the seasons that came before and to remember some of the challenges and joys of winter and spring.  We had a relatively mild winter, but still we had snow to shovel and ice to negotiate.  Spring came in fits and starts, with mild days followed by hard freezes that put fear into the hearts of those of us who enjoy gardening.  On the cusp of a new season, summer promises us warmer, longer days in this amazing place we call home, yet there will be storms to contend with.  In a similar way, as we look forward to a long holiday weekend, it’s helpful to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day; it is a day to remember.  Even though the holiday has become something of a “standard” long weekend, replete with furniture sales, family picnics, parades, and speeches by politicians, the reason we observe Memorial Day is far too important to forget.  And forget we have; this weekend isn’t a time to honor all who served – every day is a time to honor those who served.  This is a time to remember and honor those who died in service of our country.  This is a time to remember and honor their families, who forever have an empty space at the dinner table, whose hearts forever have an empty space that looks very much like their loved one who paid the highest price of all.  This is a time to give thanks to God that there are those among us who are willing to meet Jesus’ standard for friendship; that they are willing to lay their lives down for another.  This is time to ask God to hold those who lost their lives close in his arms, and to ask God to hold their loved ones in those same arms.  Memorial Day is a day of remembrance; and so let us remember, let us give thanks, and let us pray for peace, so that no more names will be added to the rolls of the honored dead.  Celebrate the day, to be sure.  But start the day by remembering.

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

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

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, May 15, 2024


Greetings in Christ!

He is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!!  One last time before we exit the Season of Easter, we share the most powerful words ever spoken; Christ is Risen!  On this beautiful spring day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad that Jesus of Nazareth was born, lived, died, and rose again to change the world for all time, and let us rejoice and be glad that very soon the Advocate, the Helper, the Holy Spirit will descend on us so that the presence of the Triune God lives in each of us.  God is good, all the time, and all the time, God is good!

Over the years, there have been many creative attempts to depict the arrival of the Holy Spirit in worship services, ranging from large fans with red streamers attached to the shrouds, waving in the breeze, to propane torches being lit to imitate the tongues of flame amongst the worshippers (what could possibly go wrong with that plan?), to sound effects imitating the rush of a violent wind, and at least a few efforts to combine all of these displays into one presentation, with mixed results at best; and a couple of epic fails.  Rest assured that neither the Chapel nor Westminster will be parties to such over-the-top demonstrations – we’ll be letting the Scriptures speak for themselves; and the Scriptures tell us that Jesus will be sending us a helper, the Spirit of truth directly from God the Father, to guide us through life.  Praise be to God!  We all need helpers in life, and what could be better than a helper straight from God Almighty?  We don’t always appreciate the Holy Spirit as a co-equal member of the Divine Trinity, focusing instead on God or Jesus (which is not a bad thing), but the Spirit is often the clearest indication of the presence of Divine guidance that we’re likely to get in any given day.  The gentle nudge to take a particular road, or make a certain phone call, or to send a card to a friend in need is, in fact, the Holy Spirit operating in our lives.  Rarely flashy, rarely loud, rarely earth-shaking; just quiet guidance to make the right choices.  Let us be attentive to the leadings of the Spirit today, and every day.

And speaking of helpers, Dr. Greg wants to extend his heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the helpers that have come from all quarters to make his pre-operative and post-operative world far more comfortable and easily navigated than he imagined it might be.  Whether you prepared a meal (or two), loaned out equipment, sent a card, a text, or a phone call, your loving outreach has been a true example of the Spirit in action.  Rev. Karen is also deeply grateful for all the support.  It is good to have friends.

Blessings to you on this beautiful day!

Karen and Greg

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

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Greetings in Christ!

Christ is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!!  In this 7th week of the Easter season, let us rejoice and be glad in this day that the Lord has given to us!  Indeed, there is so much in which to rejoice! Through the night and on into the morning we received a glorious, life-sustaining rain, which cleansed tender stretching and unfurling leaf buds and carried nourishment to fresh life peeking up through the soil with plans to flourish this summer. Ah, what a sweet smell in the air as this afternoon’s sun nudged away the remaining drizzle! As we write this, we must blink at the brightness of the sun reflecting off of our forsythia hedge, so vivid and intense is the yellow! Isn’t spring wonderful!
Yes, our hearts are rejoicing. Greg has received a new knee! Just saying these words would have astonished folks 100 years ago—a new knee! We live in a time when modern medicine can provide comfort and mobility never before available. On Monday, Greg’s doctor provided an opportunity for him to continue to live actively. The surgery went well, and we both were supported throughout the overnight process by the excellent care of the My Michigan Hospital staff who work so selflessly with their patients. Today, he had his first outpatient rehab session, and has already been up and down steps and in and out of cars!  Please hold caregivers in your prayers and live thankfully for all that these dear people give to us with their loving care.
    We thank God for the abundant blessings we have received; and you are chief amongst them! How meaningful it is to hear the sweet words, “I am holding you in my prayers!” What a cherished and significant gift this is! Thank you for walking with us in this healing journey. Thank you for your support, your understanding, your care, and your prayers. We rest easier in this because we not only travel with our Lord and Savior, but also with you. 
     Yes, we are mindful of the plentiful gifts we have been given and live with grateful hearts. In what remains of this Easter season, let us all live with hearts overflowing with joy because of all that we have received!

Blessings to you on this beautiful day!

Karen and Greg

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

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches

in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19:

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Greetings in Christ!

He is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!!  Our journey from Easter to Pentecost continues, and so the traditional greeting of the season remains fully in force!  On this breezy Up North day, let us rejoice and be glad in the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice that the damaging winds of last week are considerably calmer today, and let us be glad that the forecast is free from any hint of snow!  Maybe, just maybe, it’s safe to put away the snow shovels and window scrapers – but don’t put them too far into the back of the garage!

    While it may seem as if the winds of Pentecost have arrived a few weeks ahead of time, rest assured that there’s still plenty of time to cement our relationship with the Risen Lord before the Holy Spirit arrives, which is the core reason that the Season of Easter is 50 days long.  Each Sunday, we’re presented with a passage from the Acts of the Apostles that recounts the incredible works done by our ancestors in faith, and are reminded each week that the apostles did nothing on their own; they performed the miraculous works through their reliance and trust in Christ Jesus, which is a pretty big hint that we are able to do some pretty awesome things if we rely on and trust in Christ Jesus as well!  We’ve said it many times before, but it bears repeating on this windy day; miracles happen every day, and every day ordinary believers are part of those miracles.  Every day, believers in the medical professions use their skills and gifts to relieve pain, cure illnesses, and save lives.  Every day, believers in all manner of uniforms serve and protect their fellows, preventing harm and providing immediate relief.  Every day, believers find ways to support those in need through action, donations, and prayer.  Don’t think these are miraculous acts?  Think again; any time any person shifts their attention away from themselves and onto another, sacrificing their time, talent, and treasure to make a positive difference in the life of another, a small miracle has taken place.  Everyone reading this note has the potential to be a miracle worker, because we believe in a higher power than ourselves.  Thanks be to God for all the miracles that will be performed today!


Blessings to you!

Karen and Greg

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

   “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23