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Gilford Community Church Celebrates Rally Day

9/21/2023

On Sunday, September 10, Gilford Community Church (GCC) celebrated Rally Day, which marks the beginning of the church calendar for many Protestant churches nationwide.

“It’s a terrific day where we welcome everyone back after the summer,” noted Pastor Michael Graham, who said he met two new families in attendance on Rally Day. “It’s always wonderful to meet with new people and introduce them to our community, including the Gilford Youth Center, which is located right next door on our campus.”

In reflecting on the purpose of Rally Day, Graham said GCC has always approached it with the intent to highlight their unique and inclusive approach to faith. “We are welcoming, curious, and open to all,” he said. “That welcoming spirit really comes out on Rally Day.”

According to Amber McLane, GCC’s Youth and Family Program Director, this year’s Rally Day was particularly exciting and filled with enthusiasm. “It was amazing to see so many families attend,” she said. “I can't wait to work with so many wonderful children during Sunday school and confirmation class.”

In looking ahead to the new church calendar year, McLane said one of her goals is to continue to promote interaction among adults, children, and youth. “Each month, we will have a community building activity where we can get to know each other better and strengthen our church community,” she said.

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.

Gilford Community Church to Celebrate Rally Day on Sunday, September 10

9/8/2023

Sunday, September 10 is Rally Day, which is the beginning of the church calendar for Gilford Community Church (GCC) and many Protestant churches nationwide.

“It’s a fun day as we welcome children and families back,” noted Pastor Michael Graham, who said GCC will host a potluck brunch with the Educational Ministries Committee also serving pancakes.

“Families and youth can return to church with excitement and enthusiasm for what the new year will bring,” said Amber McLane, GCC’s Youth and Family Program Director, who added that Rally Day is also the kick off to the Sunday School year. “It's important for youth to attend so they can get valuable information and start to build relationships within the church."

For those unfamiliar with GCC, Graham said he hopes Rally Day puts a spotlight on their unique and inclusive approach to faith. “We aspire to be a very welcoming faith community, committed to exploring life’s big issues, supporting one another and working together to make our community a better place for everyone,” he said.

Noting GCC is home to a variety of community groups, he said they are always open to trying new things. He cited the end of summer as the perfect time for families and people of all ages “to try new things, too.”

“The excitement of summer is dying down, and many people start to look forward and inward this time of year,” said Graham, who cited GCC is also “safer than ever” with the addition of a recently installed air purification system. “Safety is very important to us, which is why we have worked closely with the Gilford Police Department to make this a safe campus.”

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.

Gilford Community Church to Host Annual Summer Fair

8/11/2023

On Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., respectively, Gilford Community Church (GCC) will host its annual Summer Fair. Held in conjunction with the Town of Gilford’s Old Home Day on August 26, GCC’s Summer Fair will feature a silent auction with more than 100 items, white elephant sale, man cave sale, and more.

“We also host the Gilford Rotary Pancake Breakfast,” said GCC Pastor Michael Graham, who said the church is currently accepting donations for the Fair. “If you have an item that you think might be good for the silent auction, white elephant sale, or man cave sale, please reach out to us.”

According to Kathi Hopper, Summer Fair Co-Chair with Rick Hopper, one new addition this year is a cornhole tournament, hosted by Gilford Youth Center, on Friday, August 25 at 5:00 p.m. “There will be cash prizes of $500 and $300 in two divisions with trophies awarded, too,” she said.

To register for the tournament, visit gilfordyouthcenter.com.

In addition to the sales, the Fair will feature hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, fried dough, jewelry, bake sale, DJ music, and more. “It’s a lot of fun, and its deeper purpose is to support our local and international philanthropic efforts,” explained Graham. “It’s also a chance to experience our community, which is inclusive and open to all. You’ll feel our welcoming atmosphere.”

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.

One Community Project Successfully Completes Another Community Project

7/18/2023

A program collaboratively run by Gilford Community Church (GCC) and Gilford Youth Center (GYC), One Community Project (OCP) recently completed a project at the home of a Gilford resident in need of assistance.

"This was an unbelievably rewarding experience to help someone in our community with their home,” said Amber McLane, GCC Youth Director. “I am so grateful to be a part of this project."

One of 17 participating youth, ranging in age from 10 to 17, 16-year-old Ben Smith also expressed gratitude. "It is a way to help pay back the people in the community that have helped my family and I for so many years," he added.

Siblings Clark and Brynn, ages 16 and 13, respectively, said they enjoyed participating in the project, too.

"The people are just fun to be around — it's a great environment with everyone working together,” said Clark.

“It makes me happy knowing that I could help someone and be around people who feel the same way," added Brynn.

Regarding the nature of the project, which took place June 25 - 28, McLane said sixteen adults assisted the youth in cleaning, painting, planting, and providing a clean landscape around the house. “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, Shaw's Supermarket, Bank of NH, Gilford Village Store, and Jason Drouin Custom Homes (JDCH).

“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 someone else in the process, it's even more enjoyable,” he said.

To learn more about OCP, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org or contact McLane at gccyouthprogram@gmail.com.

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.

Gilford Community Church to Host Summer Music Series

7/12/2023

This summer, live music will fill the air at Gilford Community Church, which hosts its Summer Music Series as part of Sunday Service through August.

“We believe that music can inspire the soul and uplift our spirits,” said Michael Graham, pastor at Gilford Community Church (GCC). “We have a state of the art sound system here and wonderful acoustics, too.”

Gilford Community Church kicks off its 2023 Summer Music Series

An example of the caliber of musicians who perform at GCC’s Summer Music series include Mary Kay Robinson, an internationally acclaimed flutist who has risen to national prominence as a versatile musician. Having toured with the Symphony Orchestras of Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Kansas City, Toledo, Cleveland, and Boston, Robinson is also a regular guest with Portland, Vermont, and Rhode Island Philharmonic.

“We are thrilled to have her join us again this year,” added Graham, who said he keeps his sermons brief during the summer. “I want the focus of summer services on the music and to encourage people unfamiliar with Gilford Community Church to visit us. We welcome everyone, and I mean everyone.”

GCC’s Summer Music Series continues weekly every Sunday through August 27. Featuring all musical styles from classical to contemporary, performances take place during Sunday services, which begin at 10:00 a.m.

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.

Gilford Community Church to Host New Hampshire Music Festival

7/5/2023

This summer, Gilford Community Church (GCC) will host two concerts as part of the New Hampshire Music Festival with an Orchestra Concert on Friday, July 14 and a Chamber Music Concert on Monday, July 24.

“We are thrilled to have them here,” said GCC Pastor Michael Graham, who noted the church’s acoustics help to create “the perfect environment” for live music. “It’s a beautiful immersive experience, one many have experienced during our annual Summer Music Series where we have musicians from all over come to play here.”

Regarding why they selected GCC for two of their concerts, Mary Kay Robinson, Flute and Piccolo said Festival musicians play for church services at GCC’s Summer Music Series.

“We have a long history with this wonderful community, including past board members, Festival Chorus members, audience members, teachers, and friends,” she said. “It seemed a very natural decision as we have such a great history together.”

The musicians of the New Hampshire Music Festival will perform two concerts at The Gilford Community Church in July.

For those unfamiliar with the New Hampshire Music Festival, Robinson described the group as sharing a “unique esprit des corps.” “We come from around the country to make great music together, hike together, enjoy the lakes and the pancakes together,” she said. “Our children have grown up summering together with the families in the Lakes Region with camps, swim teams, shared meals, and parties.”

These connections are strengthened by their love of music. “Getting up close and inside the score and experiencing the shaping and architecture of the music for an immersive, engaging experience — we think you will find it rather unique,” added Robinson.

For nearly 20 years, the Festival has been in residence at Plymouth State University at the Silver Center for the Arts. The Festival was founded in 1952 as a small chamber orchestra performing on Melody Island in Lake Winnipesaukee.

To purchase tickets to GCC’s concerts on Friday, July 14 or Monday, July 24, visit nhmf.org.

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.

Volunteers Needed For One Community Project

6/9/2023

Every summer, Gilford Community Church (GCC) and Gilford Youth Center (GYC) help a local resident in need through One Community Project (OCP), a program that needs volunteers for its next project, June 25 - June 28.

“We have more than a dozen volunteers, both youth and adults, but we are still a little short on numbers,” said Amber McLane, director of GCC’s Children and Youth Program. “These community service projects are fun and lunch will be provided.”

This year, OCP volunteers will assist a Gilford resident in need of general handyperson support and landscaping maintenance. “The tasks we perform will have a transformational impact on this resident’s home and life,” she said.

OCP is sponsored in part by Sherwin Williams, Walmart, Shaws, Bank of NH, and Gilford Village Store. “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.”

To volunteer for OCP, register at gilfordcommunitychurch.org or contact McLane at gccyouthprogram@gmail.com.

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.

Gilford Community Church Donates $10,000 to Ramblin’ Vewe Farm

6/1/2023

Gilford Community Church (GCC) recently made a $10,000 donation to Ramblin’ Vewe Farm, a gift made possible from the Persons Fund.

“Dick and Betty [Persons] were so committed to the betterment of their community, quietly giving back in so many ways,” noted GCC Pastor Michael Graham. “Their lives and now their legacy enriches all of us.”

This legacy is now enhanced as a result of this donation, as it was used as part of a recent purchase of a 43-acre parcel of land that abuts Ramblin’ Vewe Farm to the southeast. This land was formerly owned by Dr. Leo and Polly Sanfaçon, who allowed Ramblin’ Vewe Farm to construct and use approximately three miles of trails on the property.

“Conservation of this property increases the conserved area of Ramblin’ Vewe Farm to about 335 contiguous acres,” said Weldon Bosworth, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, Ramblin’ Vewe Farm.

Gilford Community Church Pastor Michael Graham (l), Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, Ramblin’ Vewe Farm, Weldon Bosworth, and Robert Souter of Gilford Community Church (r)

As for Ramblin’ View Farm, he cited its nonprofit status and its mission “to protect and preserve Ramblin’ Vewe Farm, conserve the heritage of working farms and rural landscapes, foster educational and recreational activities and create trails to connect people, communities and the land."

Bosworth said the property’s recreational trails—approximately 13 miles—are “extensions of the working farm” that offer an array of activities year-round for the community. “During winter months, anyone can snowshoe or cross-country ski on trails that are manageable even for beginners,” he added. “During the rest of the year, individuals and families can hike and mountain bike on these well-maintained trails.”

According to Graham, the opportunity to invest in Ramblin’ Vewe Farm, reflect’s GCC larger philanthropic goals. “Like the Persons, Gilford Community Church enthusiastically embraces our responsibility to make investments in our community,” he said. “The trails on Ramblin' Vewe Farms are enjoyed by so many people…Our gift will help ensure that this spot remains a great community treasure."

To learn more about Ramblin’ Vewe Farm, visit ramblinvewefarm.org.

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 Sundays at 10 a.m. through a livestream feed on GCC’s website at gilfordcommunitychurch.org/livestream.html, services take place at 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, NH.

Gilford Community Church Awards $40,000 through Daniell Fund

5/25/2023

Gilford Community Church (GCC) has awarded $40,000 to local nonprofit organizations through the Daniell Fund. Recipients include Community Action Program Belknap/Merrimack County ($5,000), Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region ($5,000), Brigid’s House of Hope ($10,000), Project Sweet Peas ($10,000), and Winni Womenade ($10,000).

Jessica Fleck, Chair of the Daniell Fund Committee and GCC’s Outreach Committee, said awards reflect the congregation’s increasing concern regarding food insecurity and affordable housing in the Lakes Region. While considering responses from Daniell Fund Grant applicants, she said she was mindful of Matthew 25: 35-36. “‘Feed the hungry, welcome a stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick and imprisoned,'” she said.

Pictured from left to right, Chairperson of GCC Outreach Committee Jessica Fleck, GCC Pastor Michael Graham, and Executive Director of Navigating Recovery, Daisy Pierce, PhD

Acknowledging the committee was unable to fund all requests, Fleck said organizations that did not receive an award will still receive support from GCC. “They will either receive a lesser donation from our Outreach Funds or will be supported through donations as part of a social service project,” she said.

For organizations awarded a grant from the Daniell Fund, the support will affect tangible community outcomes.

At Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region, the grant award will fund free bagged lunches to anyone who needs it, regardless as to whether they struggle with substance misuse. “While doing street outreach, we discovered that on Saturdays in Laconia there is a ‘food gap,’” said Daisy Pierce, PhD, Executive Director. “We will also host a BBQ once a month during the nicer summer weather.”

According to Susan Varnum, President, Winni Womenade, the grant award will help fulfill 20+ requests from men, women and children in need of short-term financial assistance who are facing a financial crisis. “In 2022, we served triple the amount of people than we did in 2021,” she said. “2023 is serving up to be our biggest year yet.”

Providing safe housing for victims of human trafficking and exploitation, Brigid’s House of Hope will use the grant award to contribute to their transportation fund. “Ultimately, we will purchase a van to transport Brigid's House survivors to and from daily appointments, outings, community volunteering, and much more,” said Ashley Emery, Resource Development Manager.

According to Michael Graham, GCC Pastor, grants awarded through the Daniell Fund are made possible by a substantial endowment gift from Barbara and the late Robert Daniell. “This is an annual opportunity that will exist in perpetuity,” he explained. “ The purpose of the fund is to improve and better the lives of people in the Lakes Region, which is something that is deeply meaningful and important to our entire congregation.”

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.

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.