Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, October 1, 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 month, and let us be glad for a fresh start on our “to do” lists! We’re at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the year, and as every football fan knows, the fourth quarter is often filled with excitement and drama. We’re all for excitement, not so much for drama. The fourth quarter will bring big changes in the weather, the clothes we wear, and the busyness of life. We can’t fight the changes, so we’d best be about the business of embracing them!

One of the things the beginning of a month gifts us with is an opportunity to review and re-prioritize our “to do” lists. Rev. Karen talked about “to do” lists this past Sunday, but those lists are such a big part of many of our lives that it seems worthwhile to spend a little more time thinking about them. On many of our “to do” lists in early autumn is getting our yards and gardens ready for colder weather; also on those lists is preparing our toys for their winter rest, and our equipment for winter use. Some of us have planning getaways on our list, others have getting ready to move to winter lodgings in the sunny south on their lists. We hope and pray that all of us have spending quality time with God, and walking every day with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, on our “to do” lists; nothing is more rewarding or more joyful than allowing ourselves to be wrapped in the loving arms of the Almighty, surrendering our wills to his, and delighting in the right and perfect outcomes that inevitably flow from “letting go and letting God.” So, if you haven’t already done so, we gently suggest that put “spend time with God” at the top of your “to do” lists.

On an entirely personal note, 26 years ago today, at 6:00 pm in a classroom at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Rev. Karen and Dr. Greg met for the very first time.

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 seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, September 24, 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 new season, and let us be glad for what has been a gentle transition from summer to fall (so far…).  As hard as it might be to believe, we’re about to enter the fourth quarter of the Year of Our Lord 2025; how we spend our time will change based on the weather, but there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do around here!  There’s no need to hunker down until next spring!

Speaking of fun and exciting things to do, we had a very successful Adopt-A-Highway event yesterday, with participants from both churches gathering eleven bags of trash along US-23.  This joint effort has been going on for nearly a decade now, and it’s good to contribute to the stewardship of our little piece of Creation.  Thanks to all who came out to help!

We’ve touched on this subject in the past, but it’s important enough to repeat; times of transition are good times for reflection, and good times to look forward.  As one season flows into another, we invite you to find a quiet place to sit and think about what happened (or didn’t happen) over the summer months; no question that it wasn’t a typical Up North summer in terms of the weather, but there were certainly wonderful things to remember.  And some hard things, too.  But through it all, God was with us, smiling when we smiled, crying when we cried, and holding us up when we were too weak to go on.  It’s good to remember that God never changes, even as the seasons do; and God never changes, even as we do.  That consistency, stability if you prefer, brings us great comfort and peace.  Thanks be to God for being The Almighty!

Blessings,

Karen and Greg

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

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel

Wednesday, September 17, 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 beautiful day in
our Up North paradise and let us be glad that we have five days of summer left to enjoy! Of course, just
because the equinox is coming up on Monday, that doesn’t mean that it will immediately get cold and blustery
(at least we hope not). Autumn is such a beautiful time of the year, as the colors begin to change; we urge you
to make plans to enjoy the unfolding splendor!
A great way to get out and enjoy the unfolding splendor is to join us for the last Adopt-A-Highway cleanup
event of 2025 on Tuesday, September 23rd (rain date Thursday, September 25th); we’ll meet at the
intersection of US-23 and County Road 638 to clean a two-mile stretch of US-23, making it ready for fall and
winter. Many hands make for light work, so please join us if you can!
As the fall colors emerge, we are reminded of God’s flawless artistic sense, as the reds and oranges and
yellows of the deciduous trees contrast with the greens of the conifers. Isn’t it amazing to look out our windows
and see the magnificence? No AI-generated landscapes can compare to the handiwork of our God, no
photographs or paintings can fully capture the beauty all around us; it is left for us, as children of the Most High
God, to offer our reverent thanks and to express our awe at what we have been blessed with. And it also our
calling to be good stewards of Creation, so that others may enjoy what we have been blessed with for
generations to come. So please walk lightly on the Earth, leaving nothing spoiled, but collecting rich
memories.
Blessings,
Karen and Greg
Home: (989) 474-9116, Cell: (734) 502-5969
revgregrc@yahoo.com / revgreggl@yahoo.com
revkarenrc@yahoo.com / revkarengl@yahoo.com
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as
faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Joys and Concern

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