All Categories - Gilford Community Church

Gilford Community Church Recognizes Members at Annual Meeting

1/28/2026

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.

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)

Gilford Community Church to Host Next Gals’ Night Out…In the Afternoon!

1/6/2026

The 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.

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.

Church of Another Chance Forms Board of Directors

12/4/2025

In 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: [email protected]

GCC Holds Annual Christmas Fair & Raffle

11/26/2025

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.

GCC Kicks Off the Holiday Season with Annual Tree Lighting Service

11/18/2025

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.

Humble Grunt Work Joins Us to Discuss Their Mission

10/30/2025

On 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.

A Retreat for Women

10/14/2025

The Gilford Community Church is sponsoring an event just for women and is welcoming back Gina McGuire as the keynote speaker. A Retreat for Women, entitled, “Stepping Outside the Box” will be held on Saturday, October 25th, at the Brookwoods Conference Center on the lake in Alton.

Opening the program will be Gina McGuire, a Holistic Board-Certified NH Registered Nurse and a Health and Wellness Practitioner. She presents regionally and nationally to inspire, motivate, and educate people to care for their bodies and minds. Her energy is contagious!

The all-day event, held from 8:30 to 3 pm, promises a day of relaxation, reflection and fun. Attendees are invited to choose attending sessions such as Chair Yoga, Crafts, Reiki and Sound Healing, Guided Meditation, Line Dancing, Skin Care and more. In addition, there will be opportunities to explore the beautiful conference center setting.

The cost is $45.00 and includes an outstanding buffet lunch.
Registrations may be made by calling the Gilford Community Church office at 603-524–6057 Monday through Thursday from 8:30-2 pm. Call now as space is limited and bring a friend.

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.

(Photo of Presenter, Gina McGuire)

"Songs & Psalms" A Presentation by Lakes Region VNA Chaplain, David Poole

9/18/2025

David Poole, the Lakes Region VNA Chaplain, is offering a one-time session that may bring comfort to caregivers and families in our congregation. The session uses familiar music, scripture, poetry, and simple rituals to support those living with dementia and their loved ones.

Music can be especially powerful, opening doors to memory and emotion. Songs like Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, or even Somewhere Over the Rainbow often spark meaningful memories. Psalms such as The Lord is My Shepherd or To Everything There Is a Season can provide peace and reassurance, while well-known poems like Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep or The Road Less Traveled offer caregivers words to lean on in difficult moments.

The session is FREE to attend and lasts about 60 minutes. It is designed not only for those facing memory loss or end-of-life challenges but also for their caregivers, providing a space for comfort, connection, and support. Join us!

Gilford Community Church Hosts Gals’ Night Out

9/10/2025

The Gilford Community Church has scheduled their next “Gals’ Night Out” for Friday, September 26, 2025, at 6pm. Entertainment will be provided by Bryan Conway, "Just One Man...An Entire Band" and a delicious dinner will be prepared by Ellie Murphy!

Gentlemen are also invited to enjoy music from the 50's, 60's and 70's...so put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a wonderful night!

Tickets are $25 and are on sale now in the church office.

We will once again be collecting donated items for New Beginnings Women’s Shelter in Laconia. Their current needs are: new pillows, zippered mattress covers, twin size sheets, blankets, comforters, queen size sheets, blankets, comforters, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaner, toothpaste (kids and adults), diapers (Size 5 and 6), baking sheets, pots & pans.

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.

GCC Choir “Sings!”

8/28/2025

Led by the energetic AJ Coppola, our vibrant choir at The Gilford Community Church not only brings fabulous music to each of the services, but a great deal of camaraderie amongst the group itself.

"I grew up at the Gilford Community Church and it has been such a joy to lead the choir here for ten years. It's a great pleasure to come to rehearsal every week and make music with your friends. We are more than a community of singers, we're a family," said Coppola.

During the 2024-2025 season, the GCC Choir performed 34 Anthems as a group, averaging 20 dedicated singers each week. For the upcoming 2025-2026 season, they are gearing up for another fantastic year that will include the following special pieces:

December 14 – “The Dream Isaiah Saw” by Glenn Rudolph, a choir singer's favorite, this piece will be accompanied by organ, percussion and brass quintet.

January 19 – “A Vision Unfolding” by Kyle Pederson, a five-movement piece for chorus, violin, trumpet and percussion with themes of peace and the ideals of Martin Luther King, Jr.

June 7 – “Illuminare” by Elaine Hagenberg, five-movement work with chorus and string orchestra with a theme of light through the darkness.

If you are interested in joining the choir, please email the church office ([email protected]) for more information or stop by after Sunday service or rehearsal, most of which take place on Thursdays from 6-7 pm in the Sanctuary. “All are welcome, just like the church,” added Coppola.

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.