1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

VILLAGE
www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org
As we prepare ourselves to review and renew
our church pledges for the coming year of
2015, this is also the time to catch up with the
pledge you made to the church for 2014. If
you need to know how much you have paid on
that pledge and how much you still owe, call
the office at 524-6057 and we will have Nan
Fay contact you.
Gilford Community
Church Christmas
Fair
Friday, December 5
5-7 pm
Saturday, December 6
9-2 pm
(see page 5 for details)
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Sunday, November 30 6:00 p.m.
NEWSLETTER
Issue 11
NOVEMBER 2014
Sunday, October 26,
The Faith Proposal Meeting was called to order
directly after morning worship by Moderator
Alexandra Breed. She called Treasurer Rick
Edson to the podium to present the 2015 budget
proposal. Copies of the proposal were distributed,
along with a slate of nominated 2015 Committee
Chairpersons. With slight adjustments from the
previous year, and salary increases as proposed by
the Pastor/Staff, the estimated budget increase
overall is 2%.
(continued on page 5)
-----------------------------------
Saturday, November 8
4:30 Silent Auction
5:00 Spaghetti Dinner
Presented by the Lakes
Region Chordsmen (there
will be Barbershop
Harmony!)
Adults $10.00
Children (under 12) $5.00
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue11 * November 2014 *
Page 1
Take a walk with me...
Every year at the end of October we send out our pledge letter asking church members
to support the Gilford Community Church by making an annual pledge. There would
be no GCC if it were not for the generosity of church members. Inevitably, a few
people stop by my office to talk about this. “How much do you think I should give
Michael?” In the spirit of being helpful, someone shared a pledge letter they’d received
in which the pastor urged church members to tithe to the church. I always enjoy
reading what other churches/pastors are doing, but I don’t think I could make that
suggestion to you: tithe to the church.
How much should you give? I wouldn’t have a clue, but here’s what I believe: it’s good
to be generous. The happiest people I know live with open hearts and open hands. I
hope the Gilford Community Church matters to you. I hope you believe we are doing
good things; that our community is better because we are here. I hope you believe we
are good stewards of what we have and that we are financially prudent and responsible
with our finances. I wouldn’t support any organization I didn’t feel that way about and
wouldn’t expect you to do so, either.
Here’s what I hope. I hope that because you believe in the Gilford Community Church
you will support it generously by offering your talents and your treasures. I also hope
our church members support a variety of other vital institutions in our community
and world. Because the Graham family has known both cancer and mental health,
those causes are important to us and we support them. There are other causes near
and dear to our hearts. I hope your generosity spills over to lots of different causes. I
love it when I see church members volunteering at the library or the hospital. Life has
blessed most of us in significant ways; giving back is one way of ensuring that our
lives will be a blessing to others.
So be generous and grateful and together we can make the world a little better.
Sincerely,
Michael
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 * November 2014 *
Page 2
Attendance
October 5
234
October 12
221
October 19
212
October 26
199
New to our church? Would you like to
learn more about it? Come join Rev.
Michael Graham and others to learn about
our church and what we can offer you.
Watch this space for the date of the next
Meet and Greet.
The Village Newsletter is a
monthly publication of
Gilford Community Church
19 Potter Hill Road
Gilford, New Hampshire 03249
(603) 524-6057
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org
Rev. Michael C. Graham, Pastor
e-mail: [email protected]
Carolyn Ames, Music Director/Organist
AJ Coppola, Choir Director
Scott Hodsdon, Director of Youth &
Family Programs
e-mail: [email protected]
Rick Edson - Treasurer
email: [email protected]
Jane Karagianis—Financial Accountant
email: [email protected]
Dru Chatterton—Office Secretary
email: [email protected]
Church Office Hours: M-Th 9:00 to 2:00 pm
THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS
OUR CHURCH COMMITTEE CHAIRS
2014
CHURCH COUNCIL
Jessica Fleck
[email protected]
728-5671
PASTOR/STAFF
FACILITIES
Carl Carder
Keith Gandini
Derek Blackwelder
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
520-8405
387-1755
556-7164
FINANCE
OUTREACH
Derek Tomlinson
Jessica Fleck
[email protected]
[email protected]
524-3468
728-5671
DIACONATE
FLOWER COMMITTEE
Stacey Pate
Sandy Stafford
Jan Briggs
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
370-8248
387-8011
630-6593
MEMBERSHIP
Irene Santaniello
[email protected]
279-6726
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES
Rebecca Watson
[email protected]
293-1103
CARE & CONCERN
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
524-3483
393-5762
387-4899
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Anne Colburn
Barbara Ponsart
Dan & Holly Vieten
(Christmas)
Doris MacHaffie
[email protected]
524-1169
VILLAGE NURSERY SCHOOL
Katie Bryant
[email protected]
520-6660
FELLOWSHIP & KITCHEN
Eloise Post
[email protected]
986-6723
PRAYER LINE COORDINATOR
Barbara Hauck
[email protected]
524-3381
FAIR COMMITTEE
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 * November 2014 *
Page 3
November Birthdays
01
Debbie Birch, Elise Arvidson
02
Kate Stewart, Kristen Paddack,
Ferol Curtis
03
Heather Dudley, Katie Graham
07
Scott Jackson, Anne Colburn
09
Richard Montminy
10
William McLane IV
11
Pat Pegg
12
Doris Chase, Jerry Lacroix,
Bob Whitehorn, Madeline Maiorano
13
A.J. Coppola, James Colburn
14
Richard Edson
15
Jovie Carder
17
Mat Roys, Carroll Stafford
18
Melissa Kennell
19
Sally Paradise
20
Janet Adams, David MacDonald,
Jonathan Fecteau
21
Barbara Shea, Sophia Sawyer
22
Laura Herbert
24
Marion Gardner, Frank Lungarelli,
Jeannie Pecknold
25
Patty Pike, Ashley Ilg
26
Mackenzie Roys
27
Tabitha Davies
28
Lindsey Nelson, Kirk Dougal,
Catherine & Kelsey Buckley
29
Virginia Babcock, Nancy Milligan
November Anniversaries
08
Greg & Lorie Gallien
12
Lionel & Sally Paradise
18
Jim & Diane Greenwell
19
Richard & Kandi Edson
23
Nancy & Bob Castellon
24
Delores & Jeff Seager
24
Roger & Kelly Ellsworth
24
Glen & Patsy Dillon
30
Harold & Mary Dexter
1997
1970
1967
1993
1950
1984
2010
1953
1946
Music Notes
Carolyn Ames
(Music Director/Organist)
AJ Coppola
(Choir Director)
The Chancel Choir has been hard at work through
the month of October. We were so excited to be
joined by our very own Woodwind Quartet
accompanying the choir on October 26—Ginny
Barunas on flute, Katie Gingrich on oboe, Will
Gunn on clarinet and Maggie Oswald on bassoon.
The month was filled with exciting music and
some changes—our growing choir required a new
seating arrangement. Now everyone is facing the
congregation! Let us know if you like it!
You can also check out how we look (and how we
used to look) on YouTube. The links are included
in all of Michael’s Weekly Notes.
Do you know who sings in the choir? During
November, choir members will be showcased in
the Sunday bulletin so you can get to know them
better.
If you love to sing, we would love to add you to
our list. Please talk to any choir member, AJ or
Carolyn. Or just show up at rehearsals on Thursdays 6-7 in the sanctuary.
Bell rehearsals have started but we always need
“ringers”. If you are interested in having some
fun that only requires knowing how to count,
please consider it and talk to Carolyn.
The CHILDREN’S CHOIR will be singing a
song in a few weeks that is in need of some
unusual musical instruments! We need:
30 (8 ounce) plastic water bottles (this is the
smaller plastic bottle)
30 toilet paper rolls.
Please bring these items to church on Sunday!
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
Issue 11 *
November 2014 *
Page 4
(Faith Proposal Minutes continued from page 1)
MOVED by Ron Dudley to accept the proposal as
presented. The motion was seconded and passed
unanimously.
Rev. Graham then thanked all who have served as
committee chairs in 2014, and presented the slate
of committee chairs, who will also serve on the
Church Council for 2015.
---------------CARE & CONCERN: Barbara Allard and
Nancy Peterson
DIACONATE:
Stacey Pate
ED. MINISTRIES:
Rebecca Watson
FACILITIES:
Derek Blackwelder & Keith
Gandini
FINANCE:
Walter Berghahn
MEMBERSHIP:
Irene Santaniello
OUTREACH:
Jessica Fleck
PASTOR/STAFF:
Carl Carder
-------------------
MOVED by Doug Hill to accept the slate as
presented. The motion was seconded and passed
unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:14.
What the Dying Have Taught Me about Living:
The Awful Amazing Grace of God is a collection
of real life stories
recounting interactions
with terminal patients.
The lessons taught by
dying patients around
the themes of
forgiveness,
acceptance,
compassion, meaning,
gratitude, humility,
mindfulness, trust,
peace, and humor
offer the reader
insights into living
with a deeper wisdom
and compassion. The
book is also the story of one man's journey from a
fundamentalist faith to an inclusive worldview of
acceptance for all. "What the Dying Have Taught
Me about Living" is a book of narrative snapshots
inviting the reader to reflect on life, and hopefully,
become less afraid of death.
We will be reading and discussing this book starting November 12th at Adult Study Group that
meets on Wednesdays at noon in Conference
Room A. Please join us!
------------------------------GARAGE/TREE FUND
THANK YOU!!!
Advent Study Group
The Greatest Gift
Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas
By
Ann Voskamp
Looking for a moment of calm amid the busy
holiday season? During the four Sundays of
Advent we will offer a four-week video
curriculum to celebrate the majesty of God’s
greatest gift to us through the timeless Advent
tradition of the Jesse Tree. Please join us and
discover the true meaning of Christmas.
When: Sundays 11/30/14, 12/7/14, 12/14/14 &
12/21/14 Time: 8:45 – 9:45 am
Where: Fellowship Hall
Babysitting will be available
For more info or to sign up
We were able to take in $7,790, thanks to your
generosity. The people who donated to this
cause, were: (in alphabetical order):
Carolyn Ames, Mike & Lynne Baron, Alan
Beard, Carl & Wanda Carder, Jim and Anne
Colburn, Hans & Kathy Dahll, Harold & Mary
Dexter, Glen & Patsy Dillon, Ron & Bette
Dudley, Rick & Kandi Edson, Nan Fay,
Pat Nix-Ford, Marilyn Goodwin, Michael &
Cindie Graham, Dave & Janet Haley, Barbara
Harris, Barbara Hauck, Warren & Mary
Hutchins, the Irwin family, Irene Johnson, Stacey
Pate, Eston & Sue Ross, Faith Rupert, Steve &
Donna Snow, Carroll & Sandy Stafford, Derek &
Cindy Tomlinson, Iris & Bob Whitehorn.
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
Issue 11 *
November 2014 *
Page 5
The Outreach Committee is currently working with the
Gilford Elementary School nurse to meet a need for emergency
clothing. Sometimes due to a playground fall, an unexpected
illness or an "accident", the students are in need of a piece of
clothing to get them through the day. We can meet this need for
them. We are looking for gently used items, if you have some that
you would like to donate, please bring them to the Outreach pantry
in the foyer, and label them for GES.
ITEMS NEEDED ARE:
Girls and boys pants, sweatpants, leggings sizes 5 and 6 are needed
the most.
Girls and boys pants, sweatpants, leggings sizes 7 and 8 and a few
12 to 14.
Also needed are little socks and undies, both boy and girl sizes.
They could also use sneakers sizes 8 through 13 1/2.
Thank you for helping!
The Outreach Committee
GUYS’ NIGHT OUT Thursday, November 20 at 6 pm
Trooper First Class Charles George will talk at Guys’ Night
Out about his job as a specialty trained trooper who flies in
the state police helicopter and fixed wing aircraft over NH
highways to provide safety infraction information to ground
state troopers. Mr. George is an accomplished photographer
in the NH state police. He has many stories.
Meal catered by Ellie Murphy.
Cost: $12.00 (payment with reservation, if possible) by
Monday, November 17. Call 524-6057 to register.
LADIES’ NIGHT OUT
Friday, November 21, 2014
6:00 p.m.
“Happenings on the Pelvic Floor”
Speaker: LRGH Professional TBA
Cost: $12.00
Catered By: Eloise Post
Register by calling Carolyn Ames at 524-1952 or emailing
her at [email protected] or signing up at coffee hour.
Deadline: Monday, November 17.
Donations for Humane Society or New Beginnings
WELCOME!
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Volume 67, Issue 11 * November 2014 * Page 6
7th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot on
Thanksgiving morning—November 27
Register at the Youth Center webpage: www.gilfordyouthcenter.com
What began as a small group of locals getting together for a morning run on Thanksgiving
morning, has turned into annual event averaging over 400 people from all over New
England. The GYC Turkey Trot is a 5k Race and Family Walk held on Thanksgiving
morning. It is a great way to start your holiday.
The course is a registered 5K course, and is considered flat and fast. It is ideal for both runners
and walkers. The course runs through Gilford Village, and begins and ends at the Gilford Youth
Center.
We encourage runners of all ages. Runner will be timed, and results will be posted on our
website and on coolrunning.com on the same day as the race. Along with the "Overall Times",
we will also post times for age brackets: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and 60
and Over.
The Family walk is a great way for to start the day. We encourage walkers of all ages, as well as
pets and strollers.
Single Person: $24.00
Family up to 5 members: $65.
8:00 registration
8:45 walkers
9:00 runners
Register Now!
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 *
November 2014 *
Page 7
2014 Christmas Fair
Friday Night, December 5, 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Saturday, December 6, 9:00am-2:00pm
Preparations are underway for the Gilford Community Church Christmas Fair. It will take place the first weekend
in December, concurrently with the Santa Land at the GYC and the Gilford High School annual craft fair.
It is a large undertaking, and we rely entirely on the congregation to help staff and supply the event. Historically
over 90 people have been involved at various levels with the fair. We love the regulars, and we always like to see
new faces. Cindy Tomlinson will be helping match volunteers with needs throughout the preparations and event. If
you would like to volunteer please contact Cindy at [email protected]. The more volunteers we have, the
easier it is on everyone. We will be emailing out our volunteer needs as they develop.
Our immediate needs are donations for the event. Please bring donations to the church prior to Thanksgiving. We
will store the items downstairs in the rear classrooms (Christmas Fair sign will be on the door). We appreciate
whatever you feel has value such as JEWELRY, white elephant items, etc. This year we will be placing additional
focus on Christmas items, decorations, etc. so please go through your boxes early and donate what you no longer
have a use for.
We are grateful for all donations. Please keep in mind that landfills charge a disposal fee for Electronics (TV, VCR,
Computers). Even if they are fully functioning, more often than not they don’t find a home. Therefore, unless it is
current technology, we do not have a need for TV’s, VCR’s, or computers.
•Jewelry: We will gladly take your old and unwanted gold, silver, or costume jewelry, coins, etc. Please bring directly to Dru in the Church Office.
• Santa’s Attic (white elephant): We are now accepting good quality, clean items. We welcome household items,
linens, Christmas ornaments and decorations. Sorry, we cannot accept large appliances or electronics, computers or
other large items due to space considerations. Sorry, no clothing can be accepted. The cut off date to accept donations is Sunday, November 30, 2014. Items can be dropped off at the church.
• Santa’s Bookstore is accepting donations of books, tapes, and CDs. This can include children’s books, cookbooks, coffee table sized books, fiction, non-fiction and other books. Sorry, we cannot accept Reader’s Digest or
National Geographic or encyclopedia sets.
• Crafts are being accepted for the Fair’s craft table. Please call Carolyn Ames at 524-1952.
• Baked Goods are needed the week of the event. Christmas cookies, pies, candies, etc.
• Gift Baskets are needed for a raffle (New this year). We are seeking 5-7 nice gift baskets to be used as prizes for
a raffle. Please contact Sue Allen at [email protected] if you would like to make a themed gift basket.
• Toys are needed for the toy area. We welcome clean toys of all kinds, children’s movies, CDs, stuffed animals and
games.
Wishing you a very early Merry Christmas,
Dan Vieten
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
Issue 11 *
November 2014 *
Page 8
Each year, our Flower Committee decorates our sanctuary in keeping with the joyous Christmas season.
You are invited to purchase a poinsettia ($10.00) for EACH loved one or couple whom you would like to
recognize, and their names will be in the Christmas Sunday bulletin on December 21st.
Your donations will also help to cover the cost of poinsettias delivered the week before Christmas to area
shut-ins.
Attached is my check for: ________________
Given By: __________________________________
PLEASE PRINT AS NEATLY AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN!
In loving memory of: OR To celebrate the life of: (PLEASE CIRCLE WHICH ONE)
__________________________________________________
In loving memory of: OR To celebrate the life of: (PLEASE CIRCLE WHICH ONE)
__________________________________________________
In loving memory of: OR To celebrate the life of: (PLEASE CIRCLE WHICH ONE)
__________________________________________________
The church office will accept your completed form. It is requested that payment be made with the form.
Make your check payable to Gilford Community Church, and please indicate that it is for Christmas
flowers. Thank you for your gift!
DEADLINE TO ORDER: December 15th
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 *
November 2014 *
Page 9
Youth News
November
Junior Youth Group (Pre-K—4th)
Thanksgiving Bake-Off
The Junior youth group will meet on
Saturday, November 22, 4-6pm to have a
“Bake-Off”. We will be
making various desserts to give to
families who will be receiving
Thanksgiving baskets through the school
and Got Lunch program.
Parents are encouraged to stay and help as
well.
Twice a month, high school youth members
are invited to meet during church service
(following children’s time) to “Chat” about
life as a teenager. Our discussions are meant
to bring clarity and faith into our daily lives.
We will meet in the Gathering Room.
Friends are always invited to attend.
Dates: Nov 2 and Nov 16
Senior Breakfast and Bingo
Saturday, November 22, 9-10:30
HS & MS Youth Group Thanksgiving
Bake-Off
Sunday, November 21, following the
church service.
We will continue our monthly “Breakfast &
Bingo” for the residents of the Village Knolls.
We will meet at 8:15am in
the church kitchen.
We will be creating some delicious desserts to hand
out with the Thanksgiving baskets that the church
will be giving out the following day.
This event has been a tradition for us, and a lot of
fun!
Both high school and middle school youth groups are
invited to attend.
High School Youth Volunteers Needed!!!
The Gilford Youth Center is looking for some High
School volunteers to help at this year’s GYC
Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.
If you are able to help between the times of
8am-11:00am, please let Scott know.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW YOUTH
MINISTRIES WEBSITE
Keep up with all Sunday School and
Youth group events at our new Youth
Ministries website.
Check it out at
www.gccsundayschool.weebly.com
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 *
November 2014 *
Page 10
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES
Our mission is to provide a strong foundation in
Christian Education for the young people of the
Gilford Community Church by exposing students
to the beauty of God’s creation, developing in
them a belief in God’s presence in their lives and
leading them to make a commitment to following
the example of Christ.
What does it mean to be a part of the Educational
Ministries Committee? It means monthly
meetings after church with a caring and
dedicated group of parents, who collaborate with
Scott Hodsdon to help with the many projects
and activities of the committee (Christmas
pageant, Easter Egg Hunt & Crafts, Rally Day,
Children’s Day, etc.)
(The first Sunday of every month is FOOD
COLLECTION SUNDAY and parishioners are
invited to bring donations for the Food Pantry to
church with them.)
Food Pantry Needs for the month of
November: Chicken Noodle Soup, Chili,
Stews, Tomato Soup.
For New Beginnings: (Please label these
donations “New Beginnings” and bring to
church): Women’s coats; Women’s sweatpants;
laundry detergent; dish soap; sponges; paper
towels; deodorant; girls’ boots, size 7; pillows.
It also involves creating and improving the
Sunday School curriculum and supporting the
teaching staff as well as the Confirmation
process in order to present a strong
foundation of Christian education for our
children and older youth.
Rebecca Watson
---------------------------Funerals in October:
Gretchen Manter
Eleanor “Peg” Keller
Prayers of comfort
and strength to
family and friends.
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 *
November 2014 *
Page 11
SUN
2
10:00 Worship/
Communion
FOOD COLLECTION
SUNDAY
HS Tea Time following
Children’s Time .
MON
3
10:30 Opechee Garden
7-8:30 Families Sharing
w/o Shame
7:15 Chordsmen
TUES
4
8:30 Piano Tuning
WED
6
November 2014
5
THURS
6:00 Chancel Choir
12 noon ADULT STUDY
5-6 Troop 10124
7-8:30 Troop 243
19
12 noon ADULT STUDY
5-6 Troop 10124
7-8:30 Troop 243
26
12 noon ADULT STUDY
5-6 Troop 10124
7-8:30 Troop 243
THANKSGIVING
7
FRI
1
8
SAT
6:00 Chordsmen
Spaghetti Fundraiser
11:30-2:15 Preschool
Program
4:45 Troop 10578
15
29
4-6 p.m. Junior Youth
Group (Pre-K to 4th).
Thanksgiving Bake-Off
22
9-10:30 Senior Breakfast & Bingo
12:00 NH Native American Inter-Tribal Council
Dinner
14
11:30-2:15 Preschool
Program (Parks & Rec)
6-8 Gilford HS Field
Hockey Team Dinner
21
FRIENDLY KITCHEN
(Winter Menu!)
11:30-2:15 Preschool
Program
4:45 Troop 10578
6:00 LADIES’ NIGHT
OUT
27
28
8:00 Registration for Turkey
Trot; Walkers 8:45;
Runners 9:00 am
6:00 Chancel Choir
6:00 GUYS’ NIGHT OUT
20
6:00 Chancel Choir
3:45 Al-Anon
6:30 CNHRC
18
3:45 Al-Anon
5:30 Facilities Committee
12 noon ADULT STUDY
5-6 Troop 10124
7-8:30 Troop 243
13
10
11:30-2:00 Senior M.
5:15 Finance
5:30 Membership
6:30 Church Council
6:30 CNHRC Steering
7-8:30 Families Sharing
7:15 Chordsmen
12
9
9:40 Hymn Sing
10:00 Worship
17
8:30-noon Senior M.
1:30-3:30 D.A.R.
7-8:30 Families Sharing
w/o Shame
7-8:30 Troop 243 Comm.
7:15 Chordsmen
11
16
10:00 Worship
HS Tea Time following
Children’s Time
Following the service
the HS and MS Youth
Groups: Thanksgiving
Bake-Off
3:45 Al-Anon
23
10:00 Worship
11:15 Outreach
Comm.
24
25
11:30-2:30 Senior Momen
6:30 Rotary Board
7-8:30 Families Sharing
3:45 Al-Anon
w/o Shame
7:15 Chordsmen
30
8:45-9:45 Advent Study
10:00 Worship
6:00 Christmas Tree
Lighting Service