PastorKarensMemorialPage - Northkirk Presbyterian Church

Celebration of Karen's

Journey at Northkirk

Northkirk Singers "I See the Lord"

Karen’s Readers -
In memory of Karen Greschel

Karen's parents & sister have started a special ministry, in Karen's name & because she was an avid reader, to provide 'Title 1' elementary school students with the gift of their very own books geared to the child's reading level. "Karen's Readers" will provide not only the gift of a book, but also the gift of the love of reading. While this will be on going, books will begin to be distributed to the children in the Spring of 2012.

To make a donation, please send your check to:
Pleasant Grove Community Church
1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd. , Roseville, CA 94747.
Please make checks payable to: "PGCC" with "Karen's Readers" in the memo line.

Our beloved Pastor Karen lost her battle with Ovarian Cancer on June 17, 2011. She was our pastor, our teacher, our counselor and most importantly our friend. Our church will miss her deeply, yet we vow to continue walking in the path that Karen lived. Reaching out to our community, enfolding those in need with love and compassion; with the Love of Jesus.

To leave a message of encouragement to Karen's family, visit her journal page at Caring Bridge

Northkirk Choir "Kyrie Eleison"

Northkirk Choir "I Can Only Imagine"
Saw Shein - Soloist

These are the last words to the congregation in her final Grapevine article. Always praising God in all circumstance.
From Pastor Karen…..

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

When I am out walking Ranger or driving around town, I always enjoy looking at the beautiful mountains. Whether covered in snow, or simply standing in their craggy splendor, I never tire of looking at them. I often think of the words of Isaiah, "You will go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands" (Isa. 55:12).

I have also enjoyed some wonderful treks around the Mount Baldy area. I must confess, however, that when I am hiking up, huffing and puffing, beckoned to go further by the beauty of the high places, I am often looking forward to the trek down, which always seems easier and more care-free.

It is one thing to talk about ascents and descents while hiking, but the ups and downs of life are another matter. While we all appreciate and enjoy those "mountain top" experiences, we don’t often welcome the inevitable descents into the valley of difficulties. In her devotional, Jesus Calling, Sarah Young writes, "I (Jesus) am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents. In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight. Your longing to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts. Your assignment is to follow Me…trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweighs them all.” What a wonderful reminder of the Apostle Paul’s exhortation, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory…so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (II Cor. 4:17,18). Our troubles our temporary…but our blessings are eternal!

Whether we are on a mountaintop or in a valley, we are called to trust in the goodness of God. And He is trustworthy! We can be confident that He is always with us, that His grace is sufficient for us, and that indeed, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Thanks be to God!

Love, Pastor Karen