Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in life-giving rainfall that brings lushness to our gardens and lawns, and let us be glad for the sunshine that follows the rain. Sometimes the rain gets in the way of our outdoor plans, but it’s absolutely necessary for growth. And it’s free!

A balance of rain and sunshine are necessary for the health of gardens and crops. Too much rain, and seeds are washed away; too little rain, and flowers wither away. Too much sunshine, and crops are burned; too little sunshine and plants cannot grow. While an imperfect analogy, human beings need a balance of delight and stress in our lives in order for us to grow. We seek out delightful experiences and people, and we do our best to avoid unpleasant ones; which makes perfect sense! But without a bit of stress, without a few unpleasant encounters or challenging circumstances in life, we won’t learn resilience and develop inner strength. And we won’t turn to God for help. We won’t let God be God, supporting and sustaining us through the rough patches of life, protecting us from the rainfall so that we can be nourished by the sunshine. Again, an imperfect analogy, but the point is made; as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote in 1842, “into every life some rain must fall.” Thanks be to God that we don’t face the rain alone, and thanks be to God that the rain will never wash us away.

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 ________________________________________________________________________________________

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” – Psalm 28:7

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

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 “meteorological summer” (on June 1st) and let us be glad that the weather forecast has a bit of rain coming our way; we don’t want to lose all those flowers and veggies we just finished planting! We’re not hoping for a washed-out weekend, but a little overnight rain would be welcome.

Now that summer has arrived, the pace of life Up North paradoxically will both slow down a bit, and be-come a bit frenzied; seasonal folks will be spending long weekends at their cottages, favorite porch chairs will be occupied with readers, activities on the lakes will pick up, bicyclists will be back on the roads and trails, and golf courses and tennis/pickleball courts will be filled with enthusiasts. Life is good during these special days; and yet the world is in need of our prayers, and neighbors are in need of our helping hands. The world needs our fervent prayers for peace and calm, neighbors are still cleaning up from the floodwaters, loved ones need our presence when diagnoses are not what was hoped for, and loved ones need our joyful celebrations of birthdays and anniversaries and graduations. What a privilege it is when we are chosen to be the voice of God offering comfort, the hands of Christ offering support, and the presence of the Holy Spirit bringing joy. Life is indeed good when we fulfill our calling as Christian brothers and sisters to love one another, as Christ loved us. Enjoy the season, savor these special days, and be ever thankful for all that we have been blessed with! 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 ________________________________________________________________________________________

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

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 warmer weather and blue skies, and let us be glad that this is only the beginning of “the season” Up North!! Every season of the year up here in God’s Country is great, but there’s something truly special about the warmer days of late spring and early summer. Let us get out there and enjoy it, as we are able.

As we shift gears away from clearing snow and snuggling in by the fireplace with a good book, and look toward our gardens and boat rides and long walks in nature, we have an opportunity to deepen our relationship with our Triune God; all three await us out in Creation. As we walk, or ride, or paddle along without having to worry about ice and snow, we can allow our thoughts (our prayers, to be more precise) to focus on really listening for that still, small voice whispering in our ear. Centered in this place, we are able to feel that gentle nudge to go in a different direction, to wonder and ponder in new ways which are difficult to achieve when we’re concerned about not slipping on a patch of ice. Now we have the opportunity to allow the grand blessings of nature to surround us, to warm us, and to uplift our spirits! Make sure you put on your sunscreen and wear your sunglasses, and let all three persons of the Trinity envelope you. God is good, all the time; and all the time, God is good!

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 ________________________________________________________________________________________“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 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 first holiday of late spring, and let us be glad that there’s no snow in the forecast for Memorial Day! It’s certainly brisk this morning, but the skies Up North are crystal clear, and we’re looking forward to a long holiday weekend to welcome more and more of our seasonal friends back home to Presque Isle County!

Our apologies for being a day late with our weekly note, Wednesday was absolutely jammed with pastoral needs that took precedence over reaching out; we trust that you all understand that, sometimes, stuff happens!

This weekend is incredibly important in the life of the church, as we will gather to celebrate the Day of Pentecost. Red will be the dominant color of the day, as we are reminded that the Holy Spirit descended like a dove on the crowds in Jerusalem, and settled as tongues of flame on the disciples. We are all recipients of the Holy Spirit, who guides our steps and helps us discern right from wrong, an ever-present companion who helps cement our relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Pentecost is such a special day, let us truly rejoice!

This weekend is also incredibly important in the life of the United State, as we will observe Memorial Day with solemnity and humility; Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. It is not a day to get a great deal on a new mattress or a set of tires, nor is it a day to honor those who served or are serving now; it is a day of remembrance and gratitude for the brave men and women who didn’t come home. Let us set aside time to remember, and to offer up a word of thanks for all of them.

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 ________________________________________________________________________________________

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Greetings in Christ!

As we continue to travel through the Easter season we joyously proclaim, “He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!!” On this day that the Lord has made, we thankfully receive the sunshine, milder temperatures, the sweet smells of springtime, and the renewal we feel in spotting tree buds unfurling, daffodils blooming, and God’s creatures exploring. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with delicious Mexican flavors, and on Sunday we will honor our moms, and those who took on the role of mothers for us. God is good!!!

This is the same God who offers to renew our spirits when life gets difficult and we are filled with worry. It seems we have no shortage of concerns. Nearby communities are dealing with wildfires, and flooding and serious water damage have touched the lives of so many. We long for the end of wars and violence, the ceasing of angry rhetoric, and the building of peaceful solutions. Our hearts and minds seek joy and positivity, but so often we find our best intentions derailed by concerns over health, finances, safety, and the well-being of our loved ones. And yet, our Lord doesn’t wish for us to live with this kind of pain.

Sometimes it seems we think if we worry about a situation enough, it will be resolved. In truth, worry is an emotion that paralyzes. Not only can it stop us in our tracks; it can act as a barrier between us and the loving goodness that God wishes to bring to us. When we worry, we make the decision to trust in ourselves and live in the energy of worry instead of allowing ourselves to trust in God and to receive the comfort and peace he offers when we hand our worries to him.

Our Lord loves us and is very capable of helping us to find answers. He carries us and offers us peace even in the midst of our distress. Beyond this, God has given us one another to love; in one another we can find support. In this Easter season, we are reminded that the God who gave everything to allow for us to be in relationship together for eternity, will not forsake us when we ask for him to carry us and our concerns. Joy and renewal are offered to us even in tough times.

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 ________________________________________________________________________________________

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you 1 Peter 5:7

Reaching Out From Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Greetings in Christ!

He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!! We’re ten days removed from the glories of Easter Sunday, and the truth remains that Christ rose from the grave to change the world for all time; our celebration of that fact should continue for all time as well. On this day when many of us are struggling with rising water levels and flooded basements, it may be difficult to find things to rejoice and be glad about, but this is still the day that the Lord has made.

So let us rejoice in neighbors helping neighbors by sharing pumps and hoses; let us be glad for will-ing hands helping to move treasured heirlooms to higher ground. Let us rejoice in municipal workers doing their utmost to clear away blockages in storm sewers and to repair damaged roads, and let us be glad for a respite from the heavy rains of recent days. Let us rejoice in the certainty that this is a temporary thing, and let us be glad that in the fulness of time, the waters will recede. While what we’re experiencing is nothing like Noah’s flood from the Book of Genesis, for those among us who have been hit the hardest, the pain is every bit as intense; but the promise of relief is also every bit as real, so for those in need, please reach out for help. And for those who are able, please respond with generosity and love. We will get through this event together, with God’s help!

Blessings, Karen and Greg

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

“But me? I will keep watch for the Lord; I will wait for the God who saves me; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in slowly warming temperatures, and let us be glad for the parking lots at our churches getting larger as the snow piles melt away! While it’s true that the weather forecast for the next couple of days is a little on the dicey side (a bit of snow and sleet is a possibility), it’s undeniable that the tide is turning towards spring-like weather. Praise God!!

Praise God indeed, for this is Wednesday of Holy Week; it is also the first day of Passover for our Jewish friends. The gospel reading for today is from the gospel according to John, and describes Jesus sharing the Passover meal with his disciples. Including Judas Iscariot, who will betray him in the Garden of Gethsemane on Holy Thursday. Whether we like it or not, betrayal is a part of our Holy Week observations, and betrayal is a key element in our journey to the cross; we can’t ignore it, we can’t wish it away. We have to confront it. The good news is that without the betrayal at the Passover, the victory of life over death on the cross could not have happened as it did, and God’s awesome power would not have been on display for all to see on Easter morning. As painful as Judas’ betrayal is for us to remember, we must accept it as part of God’s perfect plan. We know how the story unfolds, and is still unfolding, and it is indeed the greatest story ever told. We have the opportunity to actively participate in the story on Thursday, when we will gather to observe Maundy Thursday and share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We will continue to participate in the story during the Good Friday Vigil from noon to 3:00 pm in both of our beautiful sanctuaries, and then of course when we gather on Easter Sunday to welcome the Risen Christ!

We have made the difficult decision to move our 7:00 am Sonrise Service from the Range Light Park in Presque Isle to the sanctuary at the Grand Lake Community Chapel, as the parking lot and walkway to the pavilion at the park are still snow covered and slippery, making access dangerous. We’ll still worship, and we’ll still enjoy a potluck breakfast at 8:00 am. All are welcome!

Blessings, Karen and Greg

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

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:47-48

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Greetings in Christ!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in dry streets, driveways, and parking logs, and let us be glad that the weather forecasts aren’t calling for any significant snowfall in the near term! Maybe, 5 days into spring, we can actually begin to think about gardens and lawns! And something other than heavy coats and boots! It’s been a heck of a winter, but hopefully we’re almost ready to declare “it’s over!”

What’s not over is the holy season of Lent. We have just over a week to continue with our Lenten discipline(s), preparing the way of the Lord in our hearts and souls. A lot can happen in a week plus a couple of days, so if you’re not feeling quite ready, that’s OK! You have more than enough time to make a change or two in the way you approach your faith life, to allow the Holy Spirit to fill your soul, to allow Jesus Christ to come alongside you and walk with you. To allow God to lift you up if you’re feeling down or lost. Stay the course, if you’re feeling pretty good about where you are; make a course correction if you’re off track, or invest time in focusing your energy on the Divine presence in your life if you haven’t yet done so. It’s never too late to welcome God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit to be a part of each and every day.

Blessings,
Karen and Greg

Home: (989) 474-9116, Cell: (734) 502-5969
revgregrc@yahoo.com / revgreggl@yahoo.com
revkarenrc@yahoo.com / revkarengl@yahoo.com
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, March 3, 2026

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 touch of warmth and bright sunshine, and let us be glad for at least a little bit of ice melting away from our driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots! Winter still has a way to go, as all veterans of Up North seasons know, but isn’t it nice to have a “sneak peek” of what’s to come?

We’re now two weeks into the holy season of Lent, and to be honest, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of “holy” happening in the world. The United States and Israel have taken strong military action against Iran, Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, the government of Cuba is teetering on the brink of total collapse, and well-organized and funded protests continue in many cities around the United States. Add to that the drama of primary elections, allegations of massive fraud in some states, and the usual “if it bleeds, it leads” pattern of news reporting, and we could not be blamed for asking “where is God” in all of this. To which we steadfastly declare “God is everywhere.” God is present in the Middle East, Ukraine, and in cities across the country. God is present in Cuba and Venezuela, in Africa, in Presque Isle County, and in each of our hearts and homes. The problem is that while God is present, ready, and willing to make all things right, we aren’t consistent in seeking his help. When the world is burning, our focus is often on ourselves and our immediate concerns; God cares about these things, too, but God wants to know that our concerns extend beyond our personal needs. God wants to hear our prayers for others, whether they are in war zones or in a homeless shelter. As we continue our Lenten journeys, let us be expansive in our prayers for peace, joy, hope, and love so that they encompass all of Creation; whether we like all of Creation or not.

Blessings, Karen and Greg

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

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people 1 Timothy 2:1