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Gilford Community Church Looking to Support Local Nonprofits

11/22/2022

Reflecting its broad-based mission to make a difference in local communities through philanthropy, Gilford Community Church hopes to make a sustained impact in 2023 through the Daniell Fund.

Launched in 2022 with a substantial endowment gift made by the late Barbara and Robert Daniell, the fund is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations within the Lakes Region. Grant awards will range from $500 to $25,000.

“What we need now are applications for projects where a modest amount of funding can help an organization accomplish a significant result,” said Pastor Michael Graham.

Click here to fill out an application docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNbLEwyM-0SI0j_MHMVKP8HD2oulkseYNOMSG_hw1ituAS9w/viewform?usp=sf_link. The application deadline has been extended through the end of 2022.

“We will consider any request from a nonprofit in the Lakes Region, especially those who serve low to moderate income families,” added Graham. “We look forward to learning more about how we can be of service to communities located throughout the area.

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. 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 to Celebrate Holiday Season

11/21/2022

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Gilford Community Church (GCC) is set to welcome visitors from across the region for several family-friendly events this holiday season, beginning with a Community Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 27 at 6 p.m. After the tree lighting, carols will be sung outdoors followed by a brief service led by children and youth from the church and community. The evening concludes with refreshments, including coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and brownies.

“This is the first Sunday of Advent and the traditional kick-off to the holiday season,” said Pastor Michael Graham. who said the holidays are a special time at Gilford Community Church. “The inclusive spirit of our church is especially renewed during the holiday season.”

GCC’s holiday celebrations continue with the Annual Christmas Fair on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Highlighted by a Christmas raffle, the fair will feature everything from seasonal ‘white elephant’ items to holiday greens and baked goods.

“It’s always nice to see people there for their bargains,” said GCC member Steve Melbourne, whose initial experiences at the church were as a fair volunteer. “There are a lot of good folks who come here.”

GCC is currently accepting donations of non-electronic items for the fair. Items may be dropped off at the church at 19 Potter Hill Rd. in Gilford.

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. 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 To Host Cyber Security Seminar

11/16/2022

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Pastor Michael Graham at his computer.

Cybersecurity is an issue that should concern everyone, a lesson Pastor Michael Graham of Gilford Community Church (GCC) said they have repeatedly learned throughout 2022. “My email account has been frequently hacked, and we have had several church members who have been asked to send money, all of which has been very troubling,” he said. “Our Facebook account has also been hacked a few times, too.”

These “troubling events” serve as backdrop to a Cybersecurity Seminar that will take place at GCC on Saturday, November 19 at 10:00 a.m. The seminar, which will provide attendees with information on what to do and who to call if they are a victim of cyber attack, will be led by Christopher M. Jacques, Detective Sergeant, Gilford Police Department.

"As the world continues to get more connected, we need to utilize this wonderful technology with wisdom and care,” said Graham, who cited a time when most people did not lock their house at night or when they went away.

“Today, that’s almost unthinkable, he added. “We need to live with the same caution when we are connected to the web, but most of us don’t know what those best practices might look like."

GCC’s Cybersecurity Seminar takes place at 19 Potter Hill Rd. in Gilford at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19. Attendance is free and open to the public.

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. 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 Revisits Clean Energy Project

11/6/2022

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Pastor Graham with Kids

It has been one year since Gilford Community Church (GCC) installed 204 solar panels installed on the adjoining Gilford Youth Center building as part of a multi-phase Clean Energy Project. While formally considered complete after this installation, the intention behind the project lives on.

“The desire for clean energy represents an ongoing intention, a care and concern for the planet, people, and all life forms,” said Pastor Michael Graham.

This intention, said GCC member Warren Hutchins, who spearheaded the church’s Clean Energy Project, now finds new ‘fuel’ in the need to upgrade their heating system. “We are looking at energy efficient boilers for the church as well as ways to reduce the constant operation of our UV system operation to coincide with their operation,” he explained.

According to Graham, reducing energy usage means a reduction in expenses, savings he said they invest back into the community through their community outreach initiatives. “By controlling our energy costs, that frees us up to address critical community needs and support local nonprofits,” he said.

In caring for people and the planet within an overarching organizational emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, Graham said the hope is that these intentions also help to attract younger members. Citing strong membership today, he said GCC is equally mindful of the future.

“If we are to sustain ourselves as a church, we need to demonstrate our ability to embrace our community in thoughtful ways, a message that will resonate with younger generations,” he said. “We are a church for everyone.”

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. 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 Women’s Retreat

10/24/2022

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Gilford Community Church (GCC) recently held a Women’s Retreat at Brookwood Conference Center in Alton for both members and the public. Full-time writer, humorist, storyteller, and current host of Our Hometown on New Hampshire PBS, Rebecca Rule was guest speaker at the retreat.

Some of the topics covered at the day-long event included intuitive eating, First Aid, Tibetan sound bowls, prayer beading, and guided meditation among others. “I found we met all our expectations — laughter, learning new interesting skills, friendships, relaxing techniques, and much more,” said GCC member Carole Curry, who helped plan the event. “Having Rebecca Rule as our keynote speaker was just so much fun, too.” “She has great stories and a great spirit.”

For Curry, who described herself as a minister's wife for more than 50 years with prior experience and involvement in similar events for women with other organizations, the GCC Women’s Retreat was especially meaningful. “For me, having not met a lot of people during Covid, I rejoiced in getting to know so many wonderful women,” she said.

The purpose of the event, according to Pastor Michael Graham, reflects GCC’s broad-based mission of inclusivity. “We are an open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds,” he said. “We were thrilled to host this event specifically for women so they could form bonds with one another.”

Curry agreed and said a phrase she used at the retreat, authored by Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy (known by her pen name of SARK), captured the spirit of the day. ‘“The circle of women around us weave invisible nets of love that carry us when we’re weak and sing with us when we are strong,”’ she said.

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. 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 Accepting Applications for Daniell Fund

10/18/2022

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Launched earlier in 2022 with a substantial endowment gift made by Barbara and the late Robert Daniell, Gilford Community Church’s Daniell Fund is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the fund is to improve and better the lives of people in the Lakes Region.

“Our Grant Committee will look for opportunities where a modest amount of funding can help an organization accomplish a significant result,” said Pastor Michael Graham, who noted grants will range from $500 to $25,000.”

In May, the Daniell Fund awarded $25,000 each to Lakes Region Mental Health Center and Lakes Region Community Developers. “We are interested in supporting projects that benefit families of low to moderate income,” added Graham.

Applications for support are due December 15. Grant recipients will be notified by February 28. Click this link to apply.

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. 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 to Host Guys’ and Gals’ Night Out

9/20/2022

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GCC members

Fellowship is defined as a friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests, an idea that serves as the basis for upcoming Guys’ and Gals’ Night Out events at Gilford Community Church (GCC). “These bi-monthly gatherings are not religious in nature, but merely an opportunity for local adult residents to informally get together, chat, enjoy a meal, and learn about something,” said GCC Pastor Michael Graham.

In hiatus since during the pandemic, Guys’ Night Out and Gals’ Night Out return on Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14 at 5:30 p.m, respectively. Each event begins with a social hour with beverages and light snacks followed by dinner prepared by Chef Ellie Murphy at 6:30 p.m. and a short presentation on various topics.

For Guys’ Night Out on October 13, the presenter will be Ken Erickson, Gilford resident and retired chief of the Laconia Fire Department. “He has taught many courses in the Fire Sciences at several New Hampshire institutions, so we asked him to come in and discuss the approach to putting out residential house fires,” said GCC member Warren Hutchins. “I’ve also seen him in action late at night directing the Laconia Fire Department in a rescue of a person from the ice on the lake in the dead of winter with winds blowing. I expect him to share some very interesting stories.”

For Gals’ Night Out on October 14, the program will feature “music and fun” by Topper & Fed, a local duo who play songs from different genres—both originals and favorites with a comic twist. “Gals’ Night Out is a wonderful time and welcomes women of all ages,” said GCC Member Carolyn Ames. “Like everything we offer the community, the atmosphere here is welcoming and inclusive. We hope women from outside the church join us, too.”

The cost for Guys’ Night Out and Gals’ Night Out is $15. Registration opens for both programs begins Sunday, October 2 and runs through October. To register for Guys’ Night Out, contact Hutchins at 603-581-4974 or wchdse@gmail.com To register for Gals’ Night Out, call Ames at 603-524-1952.

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. 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 to Celebrate Rally Day

9/6/2022

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Pastor Michael Graham discussing church business with members.

Sunday, September 11 is Rally Day, which marks the beginning of the church calendar year for many Protestant churches, including Gilford Community Church (GCC). “This is a fun day, as many members — young and old — often return to church for this celebration after taking a break during the summer,” noted Pastor Michael Graham.

Noting Rally Day “kicks off” Sunday School for the year and programs such as Guys Night Out Girls Night Out and Book Club, Graham said it also represents an open invitation to the community. “Around this time of year, many people tinker with the idea of attending church,” he says. “Our Rally Day service is a great opportunity for people to experience the community we have built here at Gilford Community Church.”

In addition to welcoming new members and the return of the regular choir — GCC hosts a Summer Music series — the Rally Day service will feature a video that recaps their Annual Summer Mission Trip and Recent One Community Project. The service will be followed by a luncheon.

“Giving back to the communities here and elsewhere is a huge part of our church,” added Graham. “We use Rally Day as a way to reinvigorate our commitment to not just other members of the church, but humanity and the earth.”

Located in Gilford, NH, GCC is an inclusive, open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds. 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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Annual Summer Mission Trip Delivers More Than Fun For Youth

8/16/2022

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Recently, 7 youth returned from Gilford Community Church’s Summer Mission Trip, an annual one-week excursion that saw the group visit Pennsylvania to assist families with repairs to their homes among other related tasks. The experience, according to youth participants, was overwhelmingly positive.

“I really enjoyed the challenge of learning new skills, working together to finish a task, and meeting new people,” said Jack Carder. “It felt good to be able to help others in need.”

During the week, highlights of the work performed by the youth (and two adult chaperones) included helping a thrift store organize donations, painting, landscaping, building steps, and basic home repairs. Gilford Community Church (GCC) Youth Director Scott Hodsdon said their annual summer mission trips are designed, however, for much more than just work.

“The trip is meant for attendees to reflect on and have an impact on their own lives,” he said. “Every night, we talked about life, family, choices, and our own abilities to make a difference…I believe everyone on the trip learned how capable, talented, and important they are to their community, friends, and family.”

GCC’s annual Summer Mission Trips also provide opportunities for participants to mingle with youth from other churches, an experience Carder found “pretty interesting.” “I got to learn how other people worship,” he said. “Even though we don’t share the same ways of worship, I respect the differences we have and enjoyed meeting some really nice people.”

Fellow youth participant Klava Worthen said she also enjoyed the social aspects of the trip. “I thought all the other people were going to be quiet, but they weren’t,” she said. “They were really cool to be around. I kind of wish it was 2 weeks.”

Expressing appreciation for Hodsdon’s mentorship of the youth during the trip, Pastor Michael Graham said GCC’s Summer Mission Trips excite the entire congregation. “We can’t all go on the trip with them, but we followed along on Facebook, which was fun for all of us,” he said.

It was ‘fun,’ added Hodsdon, with a deeper purpose. “The group worked hard, shared a lot of special moments with each other, and learned a little more about themselves,” he said. “Overall, it was a fantastic trip.”

Located in Gilford, NH, GCC is an inclusive, open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds. 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 to Host Annual Summer Fair as Part of Gilford Old Home Day

8/11/2022

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Magician during Gilford's Old Home Day celebration

On Friday, August 26 (4:30 p.m.) and Sunday, August 27 (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), Gilford Community Church (GCC) will host its annual Summer Fair. Held in conjunction with the Town of Gilford’s Old Home Day on August 27, GCC festivities will include music, chuck wagon, hot dogs, ice-cream, refreshments, and silent auction with proceeds to support the church’s philanthropy.

“So many businesses and individuals donate all kinds of items to help make this fair really an incredible experience for anyone who attends,” noted Pastor Michael Graham.

Examples of auction items include overnight get-aways, gift baskets, and gift certificates to area restaurants, businesses, and area attractions. “The fair routinely raises between $12,000 and $18,000,” added Graham, who said GCC’s Summer Fair also includes gently used items “priced to sell.”

Old Home Day Movie Night at GCC

Other activities that take place as part of Gilford Old Home Day on August 27 include a road race that begins at the nearby elementary school, pancake breakfast at GCC, and book sale at the library next door. Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. followed by a dance at 9:30 p.m. conclude the day’s festivities.

“We are excited to be part of Gilford Old Home Day,” said Graham, who said GCC will also show a movie outside at about 8:45 p.m. on Friday, August 26. “We welcome people from all backgrounds and of all ages to this lovely community.”

To learn more about Gilford Old Home Day, click https://gilfordrec.com/activities.

Located in Gilford, NH, GCC is an inclusive, open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds. 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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