<![CDATA[Gilford Community Church - News Releases]]>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:18:50 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[2026 “One Community Project” Seeks Local Volunteers]]>Wed, 13 May 2026 16:18:39 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/2026-one-community-project-seeks-local-volunteers​A joint collaboration between Gilford Community Church (GCC) and Gilford Youth Center (GYC) that began in 2011, One Community Project (OCP) is currently accepting volunteers for its next community project, June 20-22, 2026.
 
Open to adults and youth, the OCP projects will take place at 306 Darby Drive, Laconia, on Saturday, June 20th from 9:00-1:00 pm. Sunday and Monday, June 21st -22nd from 9:00-1:00 pm at 40 Varney Point Road, Gilford (Ice Skating Rink/Pickleball Courts). (Rain Date: June 23rd, Tuesday) The types of work will include painting, scraping, landscaping, window cleaning, mulching, and more. 
 
“Making a difference through a community project can foster real change, build stronger bonds, and create lasting impact. OCP is about making a difference in the community. Each year this event is such a rewarding experience. I am so grateful to be a part of it." said Amber McLane, director of GCC’s Children and Youth Program.
 
To register as a participant or sponsor, please contact Amber McLane at gccyouthprogram@gmail.com or sign up on the website; www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/onecommunityproject.
 
Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Road, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook and available on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org.

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]]><![CDATA[Gilford Community Church Invites You to Gals’ Night Out]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:15:03 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/gilford-community-church-invites-you-to-gals-night-out
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On Friday, May 22, 2026, at 6:00 pm, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) will host their next Gals’ Night Out event with a presentation of stunning pictures by local photographer, John Gill.  
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John Gill is a professional photographer dedicated to interpreting the artistry inherent in the natural world. His images are published regularly and have won numerous awards in professional venues. The New Hampshire Professional Photographers Association has honored John twice with the “Photographer of the Year” award as a result of his consistently compelling imagery.
 
A delicious BBQ dinner will be catered by Ellie Murphy, and any interested men are welcome to join this month as well.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased through Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the GCC Administrative Office. For those with questions, please call (603) 524-6057. 

Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Rd, Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Sunday service takes place at 10 am, is also available on a livestream feed on GCC’s Facebook page and later on YouTube.

]]><![CDATA[GCC Serves as Year-Round Hub for Scouts Near and Far]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:45:25 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/gcc-serves-as-year-round-hub-for-scouts-near-and-far
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The Gilford Community Church (GCC) continues to establish itself as a welcoming, year-round hub for scouting groups from across the region. From weekly meetings to special events and overnight stays, GCC offers a versatile space that supports the growth, learning, and connection that scouting is all about.
 
Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops regularly gather at GCC for their weekly meetings, taking advantage of the church’s accessible location and community-focused environment. These consistent meetups provide scouts with a reliable place to build skills, foster friendships, and engage in meaningful activities.
 
Recently, a Cub Scout pack from Gilmanton brought energy and excitement to GCC as they hosted their Pinewood Derby at the facility. The event brought together scouts and families for a day of creativity, competition, and fun!
 
Beyond local use, GCC also attracts Boy Scouts from farther away. Some out-of-state troops travel to the area for weekend trips, staying overnight at the church while spending the day skiing at Gunstock Mountain Resort.
 
Through its continued support of scouting programs, GCC plays an important role in bringing together young people from different towns and backgrounds. Whether for a weekly meeting or a weekend getaway, the church remains a valued resource for scouts near and far.
 
Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Road, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook and available on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org.
 
(Photo attached: Gilmanton Cub Scout Pack #242 hosting their Pinewood Derby.)
]]><![CDATA[Gilford Community Church to Host Next Gals’ Night Out]]>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:53:24 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/gilford-community-church-to-host-next-gals-night-out2295553
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On Friday, March 13, 2026, at 6:00 pm, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) will host Gals’ Night Out with a presentation from Sheryl Faye as she portrays Civil War Nurse and Red Cross Founder, Clara Barton. 

Her story ties directly into Civil War studies, community service, and reinforces the importance of reading and getting a good education to achieve your personal goals and dreams. From the time she was old enough to be a nurse within her own family, Clara’s life was dedicated to helping others. She accepted no pay as she taught poor children whose parents had no money to send them to school. She raised warehouses full of food, medicine and clothing during the Civil War, and then courageously went to the front to nurse the wounded and dying. Finally, she started the American Red Cross which is her legacy today.
 
A delicious dinner will be catered by Ellie Murphy and any interested men are welcome to join this month as well.

Tickets for Gals’ Night Out are $20 and may be purchased through Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the GCC Administrative Office. For those with questions, please call (603) 524-6057. Scholarships are available.

Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Rd, Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Sunday service takes place at 10 am, is also available on a livestream feed on GCC’s Facebook page and later on YouTube.
]]><![CDATA[Gilford Community Church Recognizes Members at Annual Meeting]]>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:51:41 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/gilford-community-church-recognizes-members-at-annual-meeting
At its recent Annual Meeting, the Gilford Community Church recognized a handful of members with their “Outstanding Volunteer Award.” The 2025 award recipients are Joyce Collins, Judy Cook, Lynne DeVivo, Penny Franciosi, Amber McLane, Bob Souter and Barb Stinson.
 
GCC also recognized three longtime members with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Those recipients are Susan Allen, Ginny Littlefield and Doris MacHaffie.
 
“We are so grateful for each of their contributions to the church, our membership is the church’s greatest asset,” said Pastor Michael Graham.
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The GCC Youth acknowledged some members with their special “Angel Award.” Those award winners are Stu Boysen, Judy Cook, Ron Dudley, Nan Fay, Penny Franciosi, Janet Haley, Diane Lyons, Jim Marcum, Billy McLane, Kathy Meierjurgen, Jane Rollins, Eston Ross, Peter Sawyer and Rebecca Walkley.
 
“These individuals have demonstrated exceptional kindness, support, and service towards others and truly encompass what it means to be a messenger of God,” added Youth Director, Amber McLane.
 
Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Rd, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook and later on YouTube, Sunday service takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more about GCC, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org.
 
(Pictured left to right in photo 1, seated front row, "Lifetime Achievement" recipients: Susan Allen and Doris MacHaffie. Standing back row, "Outstanding Volunteer" recipients: Lynne DeVivo, Penny Franciosi, Judy Cook, Michael, Robert Souter, Joyce Collins, Barbara Stinson and Amber McLane. Pictured left to right in photo 2 are “Angel Award” recipients: Rebecca Walkley, Eston Ross, Penny Franciosi, Judy Cook, Billy McLane, Kathy Meierjurgen, Janet Haley, Nan Fay, Jane Rollins and Ron Dudley)
]]><![CDATA[Gilford Community Church to Host Next Gals’ Night Out…In the Afternoon!]]>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:30:03 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/gilford-community-church-to-host-next-gals-night-outin-the-afternoonThe organizers of the Gilford Community Church (GCC) Gals’ Night Out are trying something new! Instead of the Friday night ritual, this month, we will host a luncheon on Saturday, January 24th, at 12 noon. Howie Chandler and Tom Meierjurgen will share their stained-glass practice with us. They will demonstrate and have volunteers participate in all the steps of creating a stained-glass piece.
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A delicious lunch will be catered by Ellie Murphy, and any interested men are welcome to come along this month as well. So, join us for a wonderful meal and an exciting demonstration!

Tickets for Gals’ Night Out are $15 this month and may be purchased through Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the GCC Administrative Office at 19 Potter Hill Rd. in Gilford. For those with questions, please call (603) 524-6057. 

Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Rd, Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Sunday service takes place at 10 am, is also available on a livestream feed on GCC’s Facebook page and later on YouTube.
]]><![CDATA[Church of Another Chance Forms Board of Directors]]>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:30:08 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/church-of-another-chance-forms-board-of-directorsIn a world where many feel invisible, forgotten or defined by their past mistakes, the Church of Another Chance/New Hampshire, stands as a bold beacon of unconditional acceptance, comprehensive support, and transformative community. As one of only two churches in the United States dedicated exclusively to the incarcerated and the formerly incarcerated, CAC/NH brings the light of hope to individuals often left behind. 
 
“It is a joy and honor to be Chair of the Board of Directors of the Church of Another Chance NH (CAC). Being a part of CAC has changed my life, not just the lives of others. We are a church dedicated to helping incarcerated and recently released individuals from county jail. We offer unconditional love, believing it comes from God,” said Rev. Paula Gile.
 
CAC/NH meets men and women behind bars and accompanies them into freedom, offering spiritual care, practical support, and a community that says: you are loved, you matter, and you have purpose. 
 
“We encourage them to recognize their worth and that they’re not defined by their past actions. We tell them that God does not create junk - and that they are a beloved child of God. Once they internalize that they are loved and experience unconditional love from the members, real transformation happens. What a gift it is to be a part of this "Life-giving - Love-giving" church,” added Gile.
 
Every Tuesday evening, a mentoring cohort gathers to break bread, share their journey, engage in spiritual lessons, and receive peer and mentor support. Through these weekly gatherings, formerly incarcerated men and women find belonging, accountability, and a network of care they may never have experienced before. Local churches and community organizations share the load—providing meals, contributing space, and partnering in transformational work.
 
Incarceration affects individuals, families, victims, and entire communities. Without wrap-around support, many released individuals spiral into isolation, unemployment, relapse, or re-offending. CAC/NH offers a different pathway—one of dignity, purpose, and renewal. By healing the wounds of trauma and grief, helping restore self-worth, and equipping people with practical resources to succeed.
 
“After more than 3 years of developing our program here in New Hampshire I’m excited that we now have 5 talented, visionary and passionate board members to lead our organization into even more ways to positively impact the lives of our CAC members and community,” said Rev. Scott Jamieson, Executive Director and Founder.
 
Please help us in welcoming our new Board members: Rev. Scott Jamieson, Director; Rev. Paula Gile, President; Rev. Michael Graham, Rev. Peter Lovett, Patrick Wood, JD, and Robin Davis, JD.
 
CAC/NH was launched in January 2022 as the second church in the U.S. focused solely on incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. It was born out of a model originally developed by the Nashville, Tennessee church. Church of Another Chance/New Hampshire (CAC/NH), PO Box 944, Meredith, NH 03253–0944, Phone: 603-937-5330, www.ChurchOfAnotherChanceNH.org Email: info@churchofanotherchancenh.org
]]><![CDATA[GCC Holds Annual Christmas Fair & Raffle]]>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:45:03 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/gcc-holds-annual-christmas-fair-raffle
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The Gilford Community Church will be holding their Annual Christmas Fair on Friday, December 5th, 4:00 – 6:30 pm and Saturday, December 6th, 9:00 am-1:00 pm.
 
This year’s theme is “FAITH, FAMILY, FOOD & FUN. 
 
You can expect our fan favorites with lots of Christmas Items, Fresh Wreaths and Greens, our renowned Jewelry Room, delicious Baked Goods and the White Elephant Sale.
 
New this year, we will be holding a Christmas Raffle with 8 fantastic prizes – pertaining to our theme. The drawing will be held on Saturday, December 6th, at the fair. You do not need to be present to win.
 
We have also added food choices of pizza and a drink on Friday, and breakfast sandwiches, muffins and drinks on Saturday.
 
If parking is an issue on Saturday, you can head over to the Town Hall and hop on the FREE SHUTTLE to enjoy all of the events in Gilford Village.
 
“Our Fairs are very important to the Church,” said Joyce Collins, Christmas Fair Chairman, “as they help fund all the Charities, Programs, and Organizations the Gilford Community Church supports.” 
 
Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Road, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook and available on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org.
]]><![CDATA[GCC Kicks Off the Holiday Season with Annual Tree Lighting Service]]>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:46:49 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/gcc-kicks-off-the-holiday-season-with-annual-tree-lighting-service
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Gilford Community Church (GCC) celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with their Annual Community Tree Lighting Service on Sunday, November 30th at 5 p.m.  
 
“Each year, we kick off the advent season with our tree lighting service”, said GCC Youth Director, Amber McLane. Members of the church and community stand around a beautiful lit tree and sing Christmas carols. Our GCC youth take part in the service, performing holiday songs and readings. “This is a special event that is sure to spark your holiday cheer”, she added.
 
The evening concludes with refreshments, including coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and brownies served downstairs in our Fellowship Hall.
 
Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Road, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook and available on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place every Sunday at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org.
]]><![CDATA[Humble Grunt Work Joins Us to Discuss Their Mission]]>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:29:10 GMThttps://www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org/news-releases/humble-grunt-work-joins-us-to-discuss-their-missionOn Sunday, November 9, 2025, Sandra Newhall will be joining us to discuss a group she is passionate about, Humble Grunt Work, a local Veterans organization that honors all branches of the military.
 
In the spirit of CPL Eugene F. Burgess, Jr., their mission is to recognize and honor those who have served. He believed in getting the job done “grunt style” boots on the ground, letting nothing stop him from accomplishing his missions. They will work “grunt style” until every NH Veteran has been recognized. Leaving no one behind, only then will their mission be complete.
 
Humble Grunt Work is involved in the Honor Flight Program, bringing World War II Veterans to visit Washington DC, free of charge and also has plans to lay over 800 wreaths at the NH Veteran Cemetery in December, honoring each of them by placing a wreath on their headstone, saying their name and thanking them for their service.
 
If you would like more information or to get involved, please visit their website, www.humblegruntwork.org
 
Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Road, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook and available on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org.]]>