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.
Meet a climate scientist in Gilford, NH! Climate Up Close is coming to the Gilford Community Church for a presentation and group discussion on the science of climate change. In partnership with the Gilford Public Library, GCC is hosting our event on Thursday, August 1st, beginning with a Potluck Dinner at 5pm and the Presentation at 6pm. Featuring scientists from Harvard University, UC Berkeley, NYU, and NOAA, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Learn more at www.climateupclose.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.
0 Comments
A program run by the Gilford Community Church (GCC); One Community Project (OCP), recently completed two local projects. One at the Parsonage building at GCC and the other at Gilford Public Beach.
"This was an unbelievably rewarding experience to help our community,” said Amber McLane, GCC Youth Director. “I am so grateful to be a part of this project each year. It truly makes a difference." One of the ten participating youth, ranging in age from 10 to 17, 13-year-old, Jacoby Drouin, also expressed gratitude. He said “he likes to make a difference and make the community he lives in a better place. This is my fourth year of volunteering my time," he added. Another youth, 12-year-old, Ben Coapland, said “it’s important to help people and the community. Each summer I look forward to doing this project. Over the years I have landscaped and painted, and it has been fun to give back but to also do it with friends.” Regarding the nature of the project, which took place July 13th-16th, McLane said fifteen adults assisted the youth in scrapping, painting the Parsonage building, and building a brand-new gatekeeper hut for the Gilford Public Beach “We are proud of what we were able to accomplish in these four days.” According to GCC Pastor Michael Graham, sponsors were instrumental in the project’s success. OCP was sponsored in part by Sherwin-Williams, Walmart, and Bank of NH. “It literally took a village to make this project happen,” he said. “We are so grateful for everyone who supported this effort.” OCP Committee Member, Tom Meierjurgen, said “he was very encouraged to see the energy and excitement brought to the project by the youth. I enjoy building things and if I can do that and also help the community out in the process, it's even more enjoyable.” Gilford Parks and Recreation Board Member, Thom Francour, said he has been part of Parks/Rec for 32 years. “The gatekeeper hut was the original building built in 1960 and desperately needed to be replaced. Thanks to the Gilford Taxpayers for voting on the new bath house and a triple thank you to the Gilford Community Church, One Community Project for designing and building the Gatekeeper Hut. Come check it out!” Located in Gilford, NH, GCC is an inclusive, open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds. To learn more about OCP, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org or contact McLane at [email protected]. On June 6, 2024, the Gilford Community Church had a Confirmation Celebration where each of the youth presented their overall journey to their mentors and families. “This year we had five students participate in our confirmation class. Brynn Blackwelder, Bella Bryant, Anya Arenstam, Zach Arenstam and Brooke Baron have thoroughly impressed us all with their dedication, enthusiasm, critical thinking and positive energy throughout this journey,” said Amber McLane, Director of Youth and Family Programs at GCC.
The five individuals chose a mentor to guide them through this year's sessions. Those mentors were Kathy Meierjurgen, Thom Francoeur, May Stewart, Lisa Buckley, Stacey Pate, and Cindie Graham. The mentors helped facilitate discussion, participated in our monthly classes and church visitations. "Compared to my own confirmation experience, this program allows the confirmands to explore their faith rather than prescribe it. Their final presentations suggest that they all had positive experiences at each church. This gives me hope that they will continue their faith journeys as they move through the world," said Mentor Kathy Meierjurgen. The group was able to visit 7 different churches. During these visitations they attended services and had in depth conversations with the pastors, bishops, rabbi and priests. Their monthly meeting had structured time for reflection and a focus question students would have to discuss with their mentors. The focus questions ranged from praying, life after death, baptism and many more. "I always walked away from the visits with a positive burst of energy. This process has helped me to understand how even if we all believe different things, the universal faith is to always be a kind and loving person,” said Youth Brynn Blackwelder. “This entire experience has been eye-opening, and I am so proud of our youth. Congratulations again to Anya, Zach, Brynn, Brooke and Bella,” added McLane. 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. (Pictured; Pastor Michael Graham, Youth Director Amber McLane, May Stewart, Anya Arenstam, Kathy Meierjurgen, Brooke Baron, Bella Bryant, Stacey Pate, Brynn Blackwelder, Lisa Buckley, Cindie Graham, Thom Francoeur and Zach Arenstam) On Sunday, June 9th at 10 am, the Gilford Community Church Choir will be joined by a 15-piece orchestra and present Heather Sorenson's Requiem. The piece is dedicated to the GCC choir members we have lost.
“I chose the piece because even though it's a requiem (a mass for the dead) it still has lots of moments of hope and joy to reflect the time we have in rehearsal, and the friendships we maintain through singing in choir”, said AJ Coppola, GCC’s Music and Choir Director. The Requiem will be performed as part of the church service, “we'll be taking over the Sunday so it will mostly be the requiem that day”, added Coppola. The choir has been working on the piece since January and will perform as part of our regular Sunday service, therefore, is a free event. Gilford Community Church Seeks Volunteers of all ages for their annual One Community Project in July5/23/2024 Each summer, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) and the Gilford Youth Center (GYC) team up and select a community service project to focus on through their One Community Project (OCP). This year, they decided to take on two projects here in town: scraping and painting the Parsonage building here on the GCC/GYC campus, as well as the much-needed replacement of the Gilford Beach Gate House and some light landscaping surrounding it.
“The current building was built almost 40 years ago and is in urgent need of replacement,” said Sue King, Gilford Parks and Recreations Program Assistant. The building offers a place of operation and shelter for the gatekeeper staff and also serves as storage for all necessary day-to-day paperwork, supplies, and equipment. “This building is truly an integral part of the overall operation of the beach. The Gilford Parks and Recreation Department is extremely grateful for this wonderful gift and so very appreciative to the Gilford Community Church and the volunteers who will be constructing the new building,” added King. The One Community Project (OCP) started in 2011 as a local Gilford community service event for kids. The focus of each OCP event is to provide local children (and adults) the opportunity to make a difference in our community. Over the years, they have painted and landscaped thirteen homes, worked at the town fields, town beach, the Gilford Youth Center, and Gilford Community Church. This year, the project will take place Saturday, July 13th through Tuesday, July 16th, from 9 am to 2 pm. “OCP is about making a difference in the community,” said Amber McLane, director of GCC’s Youth Program. “Last year, we had more than 25 youth and adults involved in OCP, and we are looking forward to increasing that number this year.” The OCP is sponsored in part by Sherwin Williams, Walmart, and Bank of NH. “We are so thankful for these businesses who are supporting this event,” added McLane. “With just a few more volunteers, we can achieve everything we have set as our goals. There is no time requirement, so even 5 hours volunteered is a big help, and lunch will be provided each day.” To volunteer for OCP, register at gilfordcommunitychurch.org or contact Amber McLane at [email protected]. Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford Community Church is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook, Sunday service takes place at 10 am and is also available later on YouTube. The Gilford Community Church is hosting their next “Gals’ Night Out” on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 6pm. This month’s program will feature The Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative “Power Chords”, singing Broadway hits, along with a delicious dinner catered by Ellie Murphy. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased in the church office.
Powerhouse is a professionally managed community theatre company designed to provide opportunities for New Hampshire residents to participate in live theatre onstage, behind-the-scenes, and in the audience. They are the resident theatre company of the Colonial Theatre in Laconia, NH. Lorraine Barrows, Power Chords Director, is a recently retired music teacher who grew up in the backyard of a summer stock theater. As a teacher and musical theatre director, her greatest pride has been in helping singers and performers reach their greatest potential. She has also directed award-winning adult barbershop show choruses and for 10 years was the Director of Education for the International Women's Barbershop Organization. As part of her responsibilities there, she traveled North America and New Zealand conducting a cappella workshops and concerts for high school, college and adult singers. She loves any genre of popular music, but show tunes are her favorite! We will once again be collecting donations at the GNO event for New Beginnings Shelter. They are currently in need of the following items: Diapers (sizes 4, 5, & 6), Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Twin Size Blankets/Comforters, Shampoo/Conditioner, Laundry Soap, Silverware, Girls Clothing (size 6), Twin Sheets, Boys Clothing (sizes 2T-16) and kid’s shoes. 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 YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more about GCC, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org. The Gilford Community Church continues to grow, recently welcoming 12 new members, including Tom and Colleen Meister, Gordon McCormack and Carole Myrick, Fred and Rosemary Kacprzynski, Pam and Svend Filby, Chris, Ashley, Tyler, and Riley Binkley.
“It’s always so encouraging when people join the church. They are affirming what we are doing, not making some doctrinal commitment. Their gifts and talents will certainly enrich our community.” said Pastor Michael Graham. Ashley Binkley grew up going to church, but lost touch with her religion as a teenager after her mom passed away. After getting married and starting a family, she felt like there was something missing. “We had the house, the perfect family, the ideal community, but I was missing my faith and sense of belonging,” said Ashley. “After becoming pregnant, following 2 years of trying and considering IVF, we realized we have a lot to be thankful for and I was ready to find my faith again”, she added. “We’ve taken Riley to a lot of events put together by the youth center, which is where we learned about the church and decided to attend a service to see what we thought about it. It instantly felt like the missing piece had begun to fill,” said Ashley. “We were welcomed so warmly, as if we had been coming here for years. Right away, I knew this was a community I wanted my family to be a part of, and a church I wanted to continue to grow our relationship with God in.” GCC is so fortunate to have great youth and family programs on campus at the Gilford Youth Center, along with a wide variety of activities offered by our own Youth Director, Amber McLane. There are so many ways to get involved. 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 Facebook, Sunday service takes place at 10 a.m. (Pictured front row: Pamela Filby, Christopher Binkley with daughter Riley, Ashley Binkley holding Tyler, and Carole Myrick. Middle row: Svend Filby, Rosemary Kacprzynski, and Gordon McCormack. Back row: Fred Kacprzynski, Tom Meister and Colleen Meister) The Gilford Community Church is hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Friday, March 16, 2024, at 6pm. A traditional dinner with all the fixings, including corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, turnips, and Irish Soda Bread. Carrot cake and Irish coffee for dessert.
Tickets are $25 and may be purchased through Tuesday, March 12th at the GCC administrative offices 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. On Friday, March 8, 2024, at 6:00 pm, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) will host Gals’ Night Out with a brand-new presentation from Sheryl Faye as she portrays “Her Majesty”, Queen Elizabeth II, alongside a delicious dinner catered by Ellie Murphy.
Tickets for Gals’ Night Out are $25 and may be purchased through Tuesday, March 5th at the GCC administrative offices at 19 Potter Hill Rd. in Gilford. For those with questions, please call (603) 524-6057. Future Gals’ Night Out events include The Powerchords, who will sing Broadway hits, on Friday, May 17, 2024. 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. Gilford Community Church (GCC) has awarded $45,000 to local nonprofit organizations through the Daniell Fund. Recipients include the Gilford Youth Center ($10,000), Belknap House ($6,000), The Home Possible Project ($10,000), Life Bridge Inc. ($5,000), Camp Resilience ($8,500) and the Community Wellness Center ($5,500).
Home Possible, a new local organization, will use the grant money to support their mission to create supportive housing opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in the lakes region including assisting with property acquisition, development, and construction costs. “There is a crisis situation with supportive housing for adults with developmental disabilities. The crisis stems from several factors, including the lack of adequate supportive housing options, the aging of family caregivers, and the limited availability of community-based services addressing housing. We will provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive housing environment for 10 adults with developmental disabilities allowing them to experience a life of dignity, independence, and fulfillment through vocational, social and recreational opportunities. Once our first home is completed, we will implement our plan to create additional supportive housing units in the lakes region, since the need is so great,” said Board Chair, Lisa DiMartino. Camp Resilience Retreats help service members, veterans, first responders and their loved ones recover and maintain their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. These free 3-4 day retreats combine peer-to-peer counseling, life skills workshops and outdoor experiential learning. Camp Resilience strives to provide attendees with the tools to develop self-improvement goals and sustained ties to their community. The retreats stress the importance of camaraderie and wellness in fostering resilience. “Camp Resilience Retreats are free of charge to the participants, and we couldn't offer them without generous support like GCC’s! The veterans and first-responders who attend universally attest to the positive impact on their lives. Social isolation can have such a negative impact on those who serve, but getting veterans and first responders together as peers and allowing them to enjoy the healing power of nature is not only life changing, it can be lifesaving!” added Executive Director, Steve Veinotte. Belknap House will use the funds from the Daniell Fund Grant to purchase three new refrigerators for their families. They remain at capacity with six families year-round and currently have two older fridges to accommodate 19 people. The money from the Daniell Fund will allow them to purchase updated appliances to meet the needs of our residents. “The utilization of this grant will have an immediate impact on the health and independence of Belknap House families. The provision of refrigeration space to families assists them in meeting their nutritional needs and fosters a sense of self-sufficiency. Our mission is to empower homeless families to achieve independence, and with this funding, we can supply appliances that promote their health and overall well-being,” said Executive Assistant, Kate Persson. Community Wellness Center plans to use the funds to purchase updated equipment and to repair older equipment. As well as purchase more free weights and exercise pads for their growing organization. “The impact these upgrades will have on the health and well-being of our clients will be amazing. It will allow them to continue to better their health and live longer and more active lives,” noted Director, Raelyn Cottrell. According to Michael Graham, GCC Pastor, grants awarded through the Daniell Fund are made possible by a substantial endowment gift from the late Robert and Barbara Daniell. “It is a real privilege to be the stewards of the Daniell Fund. The purpose of this fund is to support church and community projects that enrich the area. The lakes region is better because of the work that all of these organizations do.” 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 Facebook, Sunday service takes place at 10 a.m. at 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, NH and is also available on YouTube. (Pictured: Pastor Michael Graham and Church Council Chair, Sue Allen; Scott Hodsdon from Gilford Youth Center; Raelyn Cottrell from the Community Wellness Center; Cheryl & Tara Larose, Karen McDowell, Gary & John Michael DiMartino, Debra & Ian Nugent, Joel & Ben Fisher, Dorothy Piquado and Ella Guest from Home Possible; Kate Persson from Belknap House; and Chris Ray from Camp Resilience) |
Archives
July 2024
Categories |