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Gilford Community Church Hosts Church Safety Seminar

4/26/2023

Recently, Gilford Community Church (GCC) held a seminar on building safety and security conducted by officers from Gilford Police Department.

According to GCC Pastor Michael Graham, the seminar provided insight into how to respond to an active threat to the church along with safety measures that can be put in place now to help mitigate risk. “Holding this seminar was something that has been on our minds for a while,” he said. “Our desire to hold this seminar was sadly more recently provoked by the latest rounds of senseless shootings.”

In total, nearly two-dozen people were in attendance at the seminar, which was facilitated by Gilford Police Department personnel, Captain Dustin Parent and Sergeant Curtis Mailloux.

“The seminar was excellent – Gilford is fortunate to have such professional law enforcement,” noted Graham. “We took away three of four things that we should definitely implement here at the church.”

As for future seminars, Graham said one topic they plan to cover is cybersecurity. “This would also be open to the public, as this is an issue that affects everyone,” he added.

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, 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.

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Gilford Community Church Preaches Acceptance, Welcomes New Members

4/17/2023

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At a time when many churches struggle with membership, Gilford Community Church (GCC) continues to experience growth, as the church recently welcomed 15 new members. “We are committed to creating an inclusive atmosphere where all are welcome,” said Pastor Michael Graham. “Our strength as a church is in our diversity.”

For Alton Bay resident Taryn Smith, who also worked at GCC for several years, her decision to become a member codified a 15+ year relationship with the church. “I felt at home from the first time I visited,” she said. “I always walk away feeling like I can relate the sermon and weekly messages to my own life.”

Back row (l to r): Tracy Baron, Aileen Stewart, Lulu and David Fite Third row (l to r): Addison and Brooke Baron, Evelyn Morse, Leslie McEvoy, Paula Dyrkacz Second row at each end: Kathleen Collins and Joseph Smith Front row (l to r): Jackie and George Pomphret, Jeanne Petta, Taryn Smith

Laconia residents and new members George and Jackie Pomphret said Graham’s sermons also attracted them. Jackie referred to them as “more like inspiring talks.” “His idea of church was very meaningful to us,” she said. “People are encouraged to be introspective and to re-evaluate what perhaps has never before been questioned and at the same time be tolerant of others' beliefs.”

Smith agreed and said GCC is “a place of acceptance” regardless of a person’s race, gender, or sexual orientation. “It is important to me to be part of a church where people are not judged for who they are or what they do,” she said. “GCC is a place that makes me feel peace and comfort.”

Noting she has been through difficult times in her life, Smith said GCC members have always been there to support and help her and her children and show they truly care. “GCC has always made me feel like I am part of a big family,” she said.

Regarding what she would say to someone considering attending a GCC service, Jackie said the church “does not present a list of dogmas to be accepted by all.” “If you should attend a Sunday morning service, you will most likely be reminded of all the good things in our lives,” she said. “You will be encouraged to focus on helping others and enjoy good fellowship downstairs after the service.”

In summing up her experience at GCC, Smith said it is “an amazing place to raise a family.” “GCC not only offers weekly church services, but so many activities for youth and adults,” she added. “GCC plays a huge role in the community of Gilford as well as surrounding towns.”

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, 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.

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Gilford Community Church Recognizes Al and Jane Rollins

4/3/2023

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Al and Jane Rollins with Gilford Community Church Pastor Michael Graham

At its recent annual meeting, Gilford Community Church (GCC) formally recognized the contributions of members Al and Jane Rollins, both of whom serve the church in a variety of capacities“We are involved with the wonderful music program, the weekly book/study class, Gilford Got Lunch program, Christmas and Old Home Day Fairs, and ‘One Community Project,’” Jane said.

For Jane, who initially joined GCC as a child in the 1950’s and rejoined with her husband Al in 2014 when they moved back to Gilford, involvement in the church is “special.”

“Gilford Community Church provides us with opportunities to meet and work with a great variety of interesting and talented people working in a faith community for the betterment of the wider community,” she said.

According to Pastor Michael Graham, the Rollins’ contributions are emblematic of GCC’s community spirit.

“Al and Jane are terrific examples of church members who give freely of their time and resources,” he said. “Along with church member Warren Hutchins, Al also spearheaded the church’s recent solar energy project…I appreciate Al and Jane’s care and involvement in so much of what happens here.”

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. Viewable live on YouTube, 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.

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Gilford Community Church Hosts Church Safety Seminar

Gilford Community Church Preaches Acceptance, Welcomes New Members

Gilford Community Church Recognizes Al and Jane Rollins

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