Blog Archives

Gals and Guys Night Out at Gilford Community Church a Big Success

1/30/2023

Performance of Man on the Hill

Featuring a state-of-the-art sound system, Gilford Community Church (GCC) recently welcomed John Stanley Shelley, composer, producer, and star of Man on the Hill, an original rock opera that tells a story through narration and song.

“The performance was sold out, so it was thrilling to see a packed house enjoying themselves,” said GCC Pastor Michael Graham, who said the event also featured dinner catered by Ellie Murphy.

In addition to special events throughout the year, GCC hosts a popular Summer Music Series that welcomes musicians from across New Hampshire and beyond. “Our Sunday services in the summer feature short sermons and a lot of music,” added Graham. “We believe music can inspire the soul.”

Regarding their hosting of Man on the Hill, he said they felt both its story and music were “perfect” for the church. “John has created a heartwarming performance, so it fits in perfectly with what we try to offer in our space,” said Graham. “I hope we can offer similar events for future Gals and Guys Night Out community events.”

Located in Gilford, NH, Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds. Sunday service takes place at 10 a.m. at 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, NH and is also available on a livestream feed on GCC’s Facebook page.

0 Comments

Gilford Youth Center Welcomes Scott Hodsdon as Full-Time Director

1/24/2023

0 Comments

Scott whitewater rafting with GCC youth group

Scott coaching one of the Lakes Region Elite Basketball teams that he created as part of the GYC, which offers basketball programs year round

Scott running a softball clinic at the GYC

For years, Scott Hodsdon wore two hats, serving as Director of Children and Youth Programs at Gilford Community Church (GCC) and Director of Gilford Youth Center (GYC). The continued growth of GYC, however, has led Hodsdon to move into a full time role, a transition that excites him.

“Our goal of the Youth Center has always been to meet the needs of the community, and we will continue to do that,” he said. “The need for even just a space for other organizations is up, so our doors are open a lot more and more often than they used to be.”

Lynne Baron, GYC Board of Director Chair, said they are “thrilled” to welcome Hodsdon into a full-time position. “Since the inception of the center in 2009, Scott has generated a number of extremely successful programs serving the Gilford community and beyond,” she said. “We look forward to our continued work with Scott and increasing GYC’s programs and outreach.”

In looking to the future, though, Hodsdon said he cannot help but reflect on his past 16-and-a-half years at GCC and the support he has received during that time from kids, parents, and members. “Without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I have done there and for the kids to have the life changing opportunities that they have had—and for that I am very fortunate,” he said.

As for his philosophy behind youth programming, Hodsdon cited his intent to teach young people that they have the ability to make a difference for others in the community. “They can make their community better by the acts that they do,” he said.
For Hodsdon, ‘community’ is the most important part of his philosophy, a belief he was able to enact at GCC where he talked with kids about community, faith, and family. “The hope is that kids could take what they learned at Sunday School and bring it back into the community,” he said.

Regarding the connection between the two organizations, GCC Pastor Michael Graham said the church helped to found GYC, which is located next door. Aside from sharing staff and a community engagement philosophy, though, he said the organizations are distinct entities.

“The Youth Center is open and accessible to everyone in the surrounding communities—young and old,” he said. “It is not a program of the church, but we do share a deep commitment to serving the community…We will miss Scott as director of our youth programs at the church, but we are excited that we can continue to partner with him on shared community initiatives.”

To learn more about GYC, visit gilfordyouthcenter.com.

0 Comments

Gals and Guys Night Out at Gilford Community Church a Big Success

Gilford Youth Center Welcomes Scott Hodsdon as Full-Time Director

Archives

Categories