All Categories - Gilford Community Church

Navigating Life’s Final Journey - Program on Finding the Way with Peace and Dignity

10/24/2024

Many of us plan for big events, but few people plan for the last stage of life. Have you given some thought to personal and necessary preparations for when the time arrives? You, your family, and friends are invited to attend a free program to hear about this hard topic in a gentle, caring way, and gain vital insights on how to direct final care challenges and needs. The medical maze can often be confusing – come learn how to navigate this overwhelming path with a sense of confidence.
The program will be led by Patricia “Pat” O’Connor, APRN with a 40-year career in Primary Care, Palliative Medicine and Hospice as direct care provider, consultant and educator for health professionals, patients and their families. Inspired by her vast experience and passion for supporting individual wishes and needs of people with serious illness and their caregivers when approaching end-of-life situations, Pat published her book, Navigating Life’s Final Journey: Conversations, Choices, Resources in January of 2023.
To increase awareness about this commonly overlooked topic, she speaks to professional and community groups throughout New England and beyond. This event will be held at Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road in Gilford on Saturday, November 9th from 9 am until 12 noon. Please arrive a little early for coffee/tea and light refreshments.
For more information, go to patocwriter.com. Pat’s book will be available for sale at this event, which is co-sponsored by Wesley Woods Retirement Community in Gilford and the Gilford Community Church. Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, November 6th to Melissa at the Church Office by calling 603-524-6057, with your name, phone and number attending.

Gilford Community Church Hosts Gals’ Night Out

10/3/2024

The Gilford Community Church is hosting their next “Gals’ Night Out” on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 6pm. This month’s program will feature Line Dancing with Bonnie Deutch along with a delicious dinner catered by Ellie Murphy. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased in the church office.
We will again be collecting donations at the GNO event for the 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, 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.

A Decade of Excellence-Celebrating AJ Coppola’s 10-Year Anniversary at GCC

9/25/2024

The Gilford Community Church (GCC) is thrilled to recognize AJ Coppola’s 10-year anniversary!

AJ has been a member of GCC since 1999, performing vocal and instrumental solos for our services during his years in the Gilford school system. He was a member of our church Chancel Choir for 5 years before being hired as our Choir Director in August of 2014 and more recently taking on the Music Director role as well.

“Music is so important to humans and in worship settings. I love that AJ grew up in the church. He is so talented, so grounded and a pure joy to work with,” said Pastor Michael Graham. “We are so lucky to have him leading our music program.”

AJ graduated from Ithaca College in NY in 2009 with a degree in Music Education with a concentration in bassoon. He also plays the clarinet, flute, and trumpet. AJ is currently the K-8 music teacher at Campton Elementary School in Campton, NH, teaching band, chorus, and general music classes. He sings with the New Hampshire Master Chorale, Pemi Choral Society and has performed with the Educational Theater Collaborative. Coppola also serves on the boards of the New Hampshire Master Chorale and the New Hampshire Friendship Chorus.

“Michael and I have known AJ for over 22 years now. He was a good friend of our son CJ, and we have loved him from the start for his sunny & funny demeanor, his kindness and willingness to help when needed. I have been in many choirs and singing groups over the years but never have I had more fun than rehearsing with AJ. He makes choir a joy which is what it should be, but wasn’t always under other directors who shall remain nameless,” said Cindie Graham
“AJ has been the most enjoyable musician I have had the pleasure to work with. He is talented, kind and makes making music fun,” said longtime GCC Music Director, Carolyn Ames.
“I remember 10 years ago when we were looking for a new director and feeling like we might have to settle for mediocre, until AJ threw his hat in the ring. What a relief and what a blessing he has been for all of us at GCC. Here’s to the next ten years of fun and spontaneous surprises during our Sunday morning services with AJ at the helm,” added Cindie Graham.

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 later on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org.

Big Family Fun at Gilford Community Church Fair & Silent Auction

8/14/2024

A family favorite on Gilford Old Home Day is the Gilford Community Church Old Home Days Fair and Silent Auction Friday and Saturday August 23 and 24. Potter Hill Road in Gilford

The Giant White Elephant/Man Cave sale starts Friday afternoon 4:00-6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Explore the Jewelry Room, Toys and games, and tasty Baked Goods. Tons of household goods, wall art, and back to college items. Tastebud temptations outside with the Chuck Wagon featuring Wine’ing Butcher Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Cold Drinks. The popular Fried Dough booth will be right in front of the church.

The huge Silent Auction open at 4pm in the Gilford Youth Center. All bids must be in by Saturday at 2pm.

The fun continues Saturday morning starting at 8:00am. The Giant White Elephant sale continues.

The Gilford Rotary Pancake Breakfast to benefit the Cheryl Lynn Walsh Scholarship Fund take place from 7am till 10 am wrapping up in time for the Gilford Old Home Day Parade.

After the parade bring the kids to the youth center for the free Magic Fred Magic Show at 11:00am. Magic Fred entertains family audiences with comedy magic. A popular favorite throughout New England. The shows are open to the public and are free of charge.

“The event is a lot of fun, and its deeper purpose is to support our local and international philanthropic efforts,” said Pastor Michael Graham. “It’s also a chance to experience our community, which is inclusive and open to all.”
Over 100 items will be featured in the massive Silent Auction which takes place in the Youth Center with dozens of items from local merchants and specialty baskets created and donated by church members.

This year’s items include a One Day Pontoon Rental from Fay's Boat Yard, a $600 value. A Round of Golf for four with Cart at Laconia Country Club, a $385 value. Will preperations from J. Kristen Gardiner; Chisholm, Persson & Ball, PC; and Normandin, Cheney & O’Neil, PLLC. Four Narrated Scenic Tour Tickets on the M/S Mount Washington, a $184 value. Silent Auction bidding ends on Saturday at 2PM.

The Gilford Community Church is located at 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH.

(Photo: Magician Magic Fred will perform an exciting magic show in the Gilford Youth Center duing the church Old Home Day Fair. Showtime is 11:00 on Saturday August 24.)

Daniell Fund Accepting Applications from Local Nonprofit Organizations

8/13/2024

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

In 2024, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) awarded $45,000 between 6 nonprofit organizations through the Daniell Fund, an annual grant-making process that begins again this fall. “We aspire to be a presence that enriches our community,” explained Jessica Fleck, Chair of the Daniell Fund Committee and GCC’s Outreach Committee.

Applications are currently available on the GCC website and may be mailed to or dropped off at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH 03249. All proposals are due by October 15th. Grant recipients will be notified by December 15th and disbursements made by January 31, 2025.

“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.”

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 later on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org.

Gilford Community Church Welcomes New Members

7/31/2024

The Gilford Community Church continues to grow, recently welcoming 11 new members, including Karissa, Chris & Charlotte Avery, Sue Belanger, Debbie & Tom Brady, Betsy Bright, Christy & Steven Cegelski, Ed Finch and Linda French.

Betsy Bright decided to join after several years of attending GCC. “I have always liked how involved the church is in helping others,” said Bright. “Michael was very kind to me when I lost my husband at the end of January. Even though I wasn’t a member then, he called me several times and met me once during those first few difficult months,” she added.

“My main reason for having delayed in joining was because I do not believe many of the tenets of the church. I am a sceptic but really like the many good works the church embraces,” she said. “Recently, Michael said in a sermon that the most important word in Gilford Community Church was not church but community. Every week in the church program, all are welcome whether they are believers, atheists, or skeptics. I finally feel comfortable joining the church family and look forward to becoming involved,” added Bright.

Expressing enthusiasm for the new members, Pastor Michael Graham said he hopes more people, locals and those who visit the Lakes Region in the summer, can give GCC a chance. “We are not just a building,” he said. “We are an inclusive, open community that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds.”

Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Rd and viewable live on Facebook, Sunday service takes place at 10 a.m.

(Pictured front row L to R: Ed Finch, Karissa Avery holding Charlotte Avery, Christy & Steve Cegelski, Linda French. Back row L to R: Sue Belanger, Betsy Bright, Debbie & Tom Brady)

Gilford Community Church to Host Climate Presentation

7/24/2024

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.

One Community Project Successfully Completes Another Community Project

7/22/2024

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].

Gilford Community Church Youth Complete Confirmation

6/12/2024

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)

Gilford Community Church Choir to Present Heather Sorenson's Requiem

6/5/2024

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.