Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, August 27, 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 another day in Northern Michigan’s beauty, and let us be glad for the upcoming Labor Day holiday which gives us a long weekend to enjoy this place we call home!  While there’s an undeniable “crispness” in the air the last few days, it’s still summertime. So while some of our dear congregants will have to start thinking about closing up their seasonal homes after the holiday weekend, let’s not jump the gun and miss out on several more weeks of Up North fun!

As August inevitably rolls into September, and a change in seasons is on the horizon, we have an opportunity to reflect on the summer that was (and is!) and to look forward to the autumn that is to come.  Seasonal transitions can also be life transitions, and so as we look ahead to jeans and light jackets replacing shorts and T-shirts, let’s also look ahead to focusing on making sure that our relationship with the Triune God is in good shape.  Let’s make sure that we remember to “put first things first” as the seasons change; the first thing being our faith and trust in Almighty God.  And let’s remember to savor each and every day that we’re given, because each and every day is a gift from our God, who loves us without reservation.  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

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given onto you. Matthew 6:33

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, August 6, 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 weather forecast that hints at the dissipation of the haze in our skies, and let us be glad that air quality will improve, making breathing much easier for those with respiratory conditions.  Our prayers go out to our neighbors in Canada who are dealing with multiple wildfires, and especially to those brave men and women from around the world fighting the fires.  Let us hope and pray that the fires will soon be contained, and that measures will be taken to prevent wildfires in the future.

As many of you know, Dr. Greg recently celebrated a birthday (thanks for all the cards and well-wishes!), which has got us thinking about milestones in life.  Our church families have known the sting of death too many times this year, one of the most profound milestones we’ll ever know; and yet in our pain, there is an opportunity to reflect on our lives and then, to look ahead.  Whether the milestone we’re facing is the death of a loved one, a birthday, or an anniversary, please consider taking some time to take stock, to think about where you are and where you hope to be, and to talk with God about anything and everything that comes to mind.  Of course, we should always avail ourselves of God’s wisdom and guidance, but it seems to us that milestones are a particularly good time to reach out to the Almighty.  And remember, 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

Rejoicing in the Lord encourages us to find joy in our milestones.
It is a powerful reminder to celebrate every success,
recognizing God’s hand in our achievements. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, July 16, 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 warm days and cool(er) nights, and let us be glad for the much-needed rain that’s falling as we write today’s note.  We don’t know about all of you, but our gardens have been a bit on the “parched” side lately, so the summer rains are more than welcome!

It’s been said that into each life some rain must fall, which is both abundantly true and just a little obvious; did you know that this phrase is actually the title of a song first performed by the Ink Spots in 1944, and was based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Rainy Day”?  Rain is essential to life on earth, and rain in the form of sad days and tears are also essential to life, even if we’d rather not deal with them.  Without the occasional “downs” we wouldn’t fully appreciate the “ups,” and if we’re honest with ourselves, sometimes there’s nothing quite so cleansing as a “good cry.”  Even when life is going swimmingly, it’s a sure bet that there are at least one or two things that aren’t exactly the way we’d like them to be.  The trick is to accept that there will be down days, and to resolve to learn from them and grow stronger for the challenges. The key to accepting and growing is our faith in Jesus Christ, who gives us the strength to deal with all things (Philippians 4:13).  Jesus walks with us through good times and bad, he rejoices with us and he cries with us, so no matter what’s going on today, know that you’re not alone.  And know that all will be well. And remember, we’re here for you too.

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 Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, July 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 in the wonders and joys of summer and let us be glad that this is only the beginning of the season! We know, we know; strictly speaking, we’re a little over two weeks into “official” summer, but the weather finally got the message, so that it now “feels” like summer, and the calendar informs us that we have just over 10 weeks left until the seasons change again. It seems to us that there’s a lot of time to get out and enjoy!

While most of us are enjoying the days of summer, we must remember that there are people all around the world who aren’t able to do so; of course, the tragic floods in the Hill Country of Texas weighs heavily on the soul of the United States, and while stories of incredible heroism and resilience are uplifting, the stories of death and destruction are crushing to see and hear. The tragedies aren’t limited to Texas, as there are stories of floods in New Mexico and in North Carolina following tropical storm Chantal making landfall; lives have been lost, and property damage has been significant. Some “talking heads” in the media have raised the almost-obligatory question “how can a loving God allow this to happen?” There’s really no answer to that, other than to push back on those who would suggest that the floods and storms are God’s way of punishing the unjust; that’s nonsense. What we can say for certain is that God is present in the storms and struggles of life, God is weeping with us at the loss of life, and God is with all who are working to rescue and recover. God hears all the prayers asking for relief in all forms, ours included, and God will be present with all who seek his strength and comfort. Just as was the case with those of us impacted by the ice storms Up North earlier this year, God will put things back in order, in his perfect way and in his perfect time. The question should not be “why would God allow this to happen?”, the question should be “how can God use me to help?” Not only in Texas and New Mexico and North Carolina, but in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and in those parts of our own country ravaged by violence. As you enjoy your summertime activities, keep your heart and spirit open to opportunities to help those who are not able to enjoy their summertime activities. And when you hear a call to help, respond with “here I am, Lord. Send me.”

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

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, July 2, 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 beautiful summer’s day Up North, and let us be glad for the celebration of the Fourth of July in the United States and Canada Day in Canada. This year, the United States celebrates 249 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Canada celebrates 158 years since the signing of the British North American Act, which effectively established the nation of Canada. Our two great nations share the longest undefended border in the world, and in spite of occasional spat or two, have been great friends for well over a century.

The relationship between the United States and Canada could serve as a pretty good model for relationships between churches; we have different ways of governing ourselves, slightly different ways of expressing ourselves, and some variations in the way we relate to the world around us, but still we are the best of friends. We share a common heritage, common values like decency, respect for others, and a thirst for freedom. Sometimes we disagree, but we don’t pick up our bats and balls and go home, ending our relationship in response to a dispute. Yet in the church world, it seems as if the slightest disagreement results in an irreversible rift; a new denomination is formed, and long-cherished relationships are ended. And if we’re entirely honest, the same is often true in our relationships with one another – the smallest of disputes can end a life-long friendship. Yet we are called to unity, unity as citizens of great nations, unity as members of the body of Christ, and unity in friendship. We too easily forget the Apostle Paul’s words from his letter to the Galatians: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. In relationships between nations, churches, and individuals, those are powerful words to remember.

Blessings,

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

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, June 18, 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 arrival of summer (officially) on Friday, and let us be glad for all the joys and delights the season will bring!  Summertime Up North is such a special time of the year, with seemingly limitless ways to enjoy God’s beautiful Creation that surrounds us.  We’re looking forward to adventures and new experiences, we hope that you are, too!

Sometimes those adventures and new experiences bring frustrations, because things don’t go as we planned, or it turns out that a new experience requires a few tries to get it right.  We’d all like to think that we’ll easily conquer a new game, or that there’s nothing to getting up on water skis, but the reality is that very few of us are going to be good at something the very first time we try; and if we are successful, odds are that a healthy dose of luck was involved!  But fear not, because if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!  For the vast majority of us, failure is a (tough) part of learning a new skill; so is determination, and we have a great internal source of determination and patience – Jesus Christ.  He’s with us in all things, even when we’re at play and trying something new and different.  He’s also with us when we stumble and fall, when we stumble and fall again, and when we stumble and fall a third time, whether we’re trying water skis or dealing with something far more important like a new task at work or a challenging time in a relationship.  So don’t give up, keep trying, and trust always that your coach will never let you down.  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

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

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

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

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