Gilford Community Church
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Gilford Community Church Recognizes Members' Contributions

3/28/2022

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PictureGilford Community Church Members Honored at Annual Meeting, pictured from left to right, Joseph Fleck, Stacey Pate and Eston Ross
At its recent annual meeting, Gilford Community Church (GCC) formally recognized the contributions of longtime members Stacey Pate, Joe Fleck, and Eston Ross, each of whom expressed affinity for the church.
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“My first visit to Gilford Community Church was so vastly different from any other church I have attended,” noted Pate, who joined more than 20 years ago when her son was young. “It gave us both a sense of community and belonging.”

Reflecting on more than 20 years at GCC, Pate said she still feels the same way every time she steps into the building.  “I will never be able to pay back to the church, the congregation, and Michael even a fraction of what it has given me,” she said. “I am grateful that I am able to help on the Diaconate and take part in the Sunday service.”

According to Sue Allen, GCC Council Chair, Pate’s commitment extends well beyond their Sunday services.  “She also serves as secretary for our Church Council meetings as well as for the Faith Proposal and Annual meetings,” she explained. “Stacey is always willing to go above and beyond by volunteering to serve as the secretary for the Gilford Got Lunch Program, which is sponsored by the church.”

Describing him as “a quiet individual,” Allen said Fleck has always made a difference “behind the scenes.” “As a member of the Diaconate Committee, Joe has covered the video taping for our church services since COVID changed the way we worship,” she said. “His contribution and commitment has allowed our congregation to watch our services from the comfort of their homes and always be part of our church family.”

According to Fleck, the pandemic highlighted the “big part” GCC played in his life and those of other GCC members. “Running the video each week was a small way for me to give back to the church and community that has given so much to me and my family,” he said.

Regarding the contributions of Ross, Allen cited his leadership on GCC’s Facilities Committee, which oversaw a recently completed multi-phase Clean Energy project that included the installation of ultra-violet air filters and solar panels. She said he has also ensured the campus can be safely traversed in the winter.

“You would often see Eston salting and shoveling on campus at all hours of the day, making sure that our driveway and walkways were safe for our visitors,” she noted. “He has worked countless hours checking on our facility and is owed a debt of gratitude for the difference he has quietly made.”

While expressing appreciation for the recognition, Ross said there are many members who volunteer much more of their time and resources. “They bring with them experience and expertise in areas that can really make an impact in our church and in our community,” he said. 

Ross said he particularly appreciates GCC’s focus on philanthropy. “It is a great feeling for me to be a part of a group that has chosen to help out local organizations that provide aid and relief for so many in our surrounding neighborhoods,” he added.

According to Pastor Michael Graham, it is this outward gaze that defines the vision of GCC. “We are part of this community and care deeply about our neighbors, our community, and this planet,” he said. “I’m so thankful to serve alongside our members to make a meaningful difference. We act locally and think globally.”

Located in Gilford, NH, GCC is an inclusive, open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds. Viewable live on YouTube, services take place at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, NH. 

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Gilford Community Church Secures $10,000 Rebate Award

3/21/2022

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PictureRev. Michael Graham (l) with Warren Hutchins (r) with solar panel controls as part of the Clean Energy Project.
​​In 2021, Gilford Community Church (GCC) applied for state funding through the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Solar Incentive Program to support its multi-phase Clean Energy Project, which has resulted in a $10,000 award. Administered by the NH Dept. of Energy, the award is part of a rebate program that incentivizes the development of commercial and industrial solar projects in New Hampshire.

Noting 204 solar panels were installed on the GCC campus in late summer/early fall 2021 by ReVision Energy, Pastor Michael Graham said this final phase of the Clean Energy Project reflects “a grand vision.” 

“We want to set a good example for our community of environmental stewardship,” he said. “Lessening our carbon footprint is a big motivating factor for us.”

According to GCC member and project lead Warren Hutchins, the $10,000 rebate helps pay off a loan. “We have no debt, which is great,” he added. 

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Graham credited Hutchins and a small group of people at the church known as the “Green Team,” which examines all practices on campus (including Gilford Youth Center) as environmentally-responsible. “It’s great to be part of a community church that wants to be an example in this way,” he said. 

Regarding the future, Hutchins said he and his “team” will do a cost/benefit analysis on whether to remove trees that are restricting the full sun from reaching the solar panels.” We will continue to look for ways to use clean energy here throughout the church campus,” he added.

Located in Gilford, NH, GCC is an inclusive, open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds. Viewable live on YouTube, services take place at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, NH. 

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Coffee Hour Returns at Gilford Community Church

3/7/2022

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​On Sunday, March 6, coffee hour returned to Gilford Community Church (GCC). Historically taking place after Sunday service and an opportunity for the congregation and general public to informally meet and greet one another, coffee hour was put on hiatus in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
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“It’s more than coffee and crumb cake,” said Pastor Michael Graham. “Coffee hour is a time where we can gather together in fellowship and simply enjoy one another’s company.”

GCC member Robert Souter said its absence the past two years heightened his belief in its importance. “I missed coffee hour and the chance to catch up with people I consider close friends or to meet people visiting us for the first time,” he said. “It’s wonderful to welcome this social aspect of church back to our Sunday service.”

Graham agreed and added with a laugh, “Our coffee is not bad either.”
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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. Viewable live on YouTube, services take place at 10 am on Sundays at 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, NH. 

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Gilford Community Church Embraces Change, Technology

3/2/2022

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For gathering hubs like Gilford Community Church (GCC), the pandemic not only presented logistical problems related to community engagement, but safety concerns. “There was much discussion about what we should do as a church to protect our congregation from the virus during Sunday services as well as community members for public events,” said Pastor Michael Graham.

These discussions involved Peter Stewart, local architect and GCC member, who had experience with local schools that installed UV filters as a means to disinfect indoor air. “Based on his experience and expertise, we decided to install UV filters in an effort to offer one more deterrent to the virus,” added Graham.
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​In addition to installing the UV filters in July 2021, GCC embraced technology to stream Sunday services and other events through YouTube.

“Safety and accessibility are very important objectives we take into consideration when making decisions,” said Warren Hutchins, one of several GCC members who helped lead the church’s recently completed Clean Air Project. 

Phase 1 of the project consisted in the installation of the UV filters. In Phase 2, completed fall 2021, 204 solar panels were installed on the GCC campus, which includes the adjoining Gilford Youth Center. According to Graham, the theme of change and technology is important at GCC.

“By embracing change and thoughtfully using technology, we can enhance the safety of people who visit us and increase access to those unable to see us in person,” he said. “At a time when our nation is so divided, we aim to build bridges and bring people together. I think our recent projects demonstrate that commitment.”

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. 

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