Tag: christianity

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, January 22, 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 forecaster’s telling us that the extremely low temperatures will be ending today, and let us be glad for the warmth of our homes that have kept us comfortable during the cold snap. Let us further rejoice in those men and women who maintain our heating systems, and let us be glad for their skills and dedication to their craft. While we’re more-or-less equipped to deal with winter weather, no matter how extreme it may be; we hold our friends in Southern states in prayer who are not so fortunate, as several inches of snow were reported in New Orleans and Orlando. If you have the latitude to stay inside today, we encourage you to grab a hot drink and a cozy blanket and watch the snow globe-like conditions make magic. And as you stay warm and dry, say a prayer for the hard-working road crews doing their best to make travel safe for all.

We’d like to offer a humble suggestion for your “snuggly” time today; be intentionally thankful. Lots of truly incredible things have happened in the past few days that are worthy of thankfulness. The United States witnessed a peaceful transfer of power from one presidential administration to the next, and hostages were released in the Middle East and a cease-fire took hold. Children were born, life-saving medical procedures were successfully complete, marriages were celebrated, new relationships began; lives well-lived were celebrated, even though hearts were heavy with grief. We have a choice every day as to how we will approach what lies ahead – we can be fearful and tentative, or we can be thankful and bold. Our faith calls us to thankfulness and boldness, trusting that we walk with Christ every step of the way. So let’s be thankful as we snuggle in, or as we venture out. Give thanks!!

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

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, 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

~ 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, April 24, 2024

Greetings in Christ!

He is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!!  We pray that this crisp Up North morning inspires you to rejoice and be glad in the day that the Lord has made; as we write this message, the sky is crystal-clear, the temperature is around 30, and the snow (yes, we said snow!) that fell in the early morning hours has pretty much melted away.  None of us should be surprised, it’s Michigan after all, but the irony of seeing boats on trailers being towed by snow-covered vehicles isn’t lost on us.  At least what fell on the ground wasn’t shovelable!

Tomorrow, April 25th, marks the halfway point between Easter and the Day of Pentecost, which makes it the perfect day to look back and remember the glories of Easter Sunday, and to look forward to the joy of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit will fill all believers with its eternal and powerful presence.  This is not a day to begin to forget Easter; much better to take a moment to reflect on how our lives were changed that day, and to recommit to living every day as Easter people.  People filled with the hope and promise of the Resurrection, people dedicated to loving one another, to generosity and compassion and forgiveness.  These 50 days of the Season of Easter are such an important time, so we encourage you to make good use of them to strengthen your relationship with God and Christ Jesus in anticipation of the arrival of the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit.  Let these days continue the transformation into complete Christian brothers and sisters, so that from this point forward we live with the unlimited confidence of the children of God.
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


“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

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

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 10, 2024


Blessings to you!

He is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!!  This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!  Let us rejoice in crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures, and let us be glad that the forecast doesn’t appear to have any “shovelable” events on the horizon!  Spring Up North is unfolding in fine fashion, and that should make all of us happy, indeed!

And continuing our celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord should make all of us happy, indeed!  As we walk with the Risen Christ on the path to his Ascension and then on to Pentecost, we are blessed to be reminded of the encounters Jesus had with his disciples and others, whether on the road to Emmaus or on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and others beside.  This season presents us with countless opportunities to journey with Christ, to encounter him in all that we do and everywhere we go; as the weather improves, and many of us turn our attention to our gardens and yards (and maybe our summertime toys), we can talk with Jesus, sharing our thoughts and joys and concerns.  We can listen to the voice of our Savior, and let his words soak into our souls.  We can express our frustrations, trusting that Jesus will not be bothered that we’re having a tough day; he gets it, and only wants to help.  We invite you to invite Jesus to join you during the Season of Easter (and beyond), as you go about the business of shifting gears from winter to spring; the transition will be richer and fuller than you can imagine!

Karen and Greg

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

“I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

Pastor’s Message

~ laurieagould ~ Leave a comment

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 3, 2024


Blessings to you!

He is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!!  This first Wednesday in the Season of Easter started out with incredible winds and torrents of rain, and then settled down into an overcast and chilly day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!  Let us rejoice that reported power outages from the high winds are few in our area, and let us be glad that we’re able to stay warm and dry on these early spring days.  It’s a little bit unclear if we’re going to be seeing heavy, wet snow in the next couple of days in Presque Isle County or if it’s going to be kinda’ sunny, but we know that sometime in the foreseeable future it will be warm enough to get outside without boots and heavy coats!  Yayyy!!!

Wasn’t Easter Sunday magnificent?  The sun crested the horizon at the Sonrise Service to the delight and inspiration of all in attendance, and the day only got better from there!  Worship in our sanctuaries filled our hearts and brightened our spirits, preparing all to go out into the world praising God and sharing the familiar (and powerful) greeting of “He is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!!”  And now we are blessed with the opportunity to live as free and forgiven people, strengthened by the Holy Spirit and accompanied by Christ Jesus our Lord in all that we do.  What an amazing gift we have received, and what an amazing gift we are called to share. During these next 50 days, until the day of Pentecost, let our focus be on fully embracing the new lives we have been given, so that nothing can separate us from the love of God in the person of Jesus Christ, to borrow a bit from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.  The stone has been rolled away, not only the stone that sealed the tomb of our Savior, but the stone that has kept our hearts sealed from expressing our true nature to the world – a nature of love, joy, compassion, and peace.  Easter makes us all new; the Season of Easter allows us to embrace that newness.  Let’s not miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Karen and Greg

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

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and

with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30