the village newsletter€¦ · village newsletter * gilford community church * issue 11 november...

www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org November 2017 Issue 11

THE VILLAGE NEWSLETTER

Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 November 2017 *

November 11th Senior Breakfast & Bingo

November 16th Guys’ Night Out

November 17th Ladies’ Night Out

November 23rd GYC Turkey Trot

November 26th Cookie Creations

See calendar on page 17 for additional

November events.

Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11* November 2017 *

New to our church? Would you like to learn

more about it? Would you like to join the

church?

Come join Rev. Michael Graham and others

to learn about our church and what we can

offer you.

Watch this space for notice of our next Meet

and Greet, held on a Sunday after worship

service in conference room A.

The Village Newsletter is a

monthly publication of

Gilford Community Church

19 Potter Hill Road

Gilford, New Hampshire 03249

(603) 524-6057

[email protected]

www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org

Rev. Michael C. Graham, Pastor

[email protected]

Sylvie Couture, Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

Carolyn Ames, Music Director/Organist

AJ Coppola, Choir Director

Scott Hodsdon, Director of Youth & Family Programs

[email protected]

Rick Edson, Treasurer

[email protected]

Carl Carder, Financial Technician

[email protected]

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 to 2:00 pm

The office is CLOSED EVERY FRIDAY

1 Debbie Birch, Elise Arvidson

2 Kate Stewart, Ferol Curtis

3 Heather Dudley, Katie Graham

5 Jovie Carder

7 Anne Colburn

9 Richard Montminy

10 William McLane IV

12 Doris Chase

Madeline Maiorano, Bob Whitehorn

13 A.J. Coppola, James Colburn

14 Richard Edson

17 Mat Roys, Carroll Stafford

20 Jonathan Fecteau

21 Sofia Sawyer

24 Marion Gardner, Jeannie Pecknold

25 Patty Pike

26 Mackenzie Roys

28 Lindsey Nelson, Catherine & Kelsey

Buckley

29 Virginia Babcock, Nancy Milligan

30 Stu Boysen

08 Greg & Lorie Gallien 1997

18 Jim & Diane Greenwell 1967

19 Richard & Kandi Edson 1993

24 Roger & Kelly Ellsworth 2010

Glen & Patsy Dillon 1953

30 Harold & Mary Dexter 1946

Birthdays Anniversaries


I recently heard someone say, “I don’t care what anyone be-

lieves, it’s what they do that matters.” I do wholeheartedly

agree that what we do matters. One of my go to bible passag-

es is Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and

what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to

love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? The spirit

of this passage is close to what Jesus said in Matthew 25

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and

you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you

clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

What we do matters immensely, but so does what we believe.

I read something this morning that I think captures that latter part perfect-

ly. It’s called “A Litany: It Matters What We Believe.”

Some beliefs are like walled gardens. They encourage exclusiveness, and the

feeling of being especially privileged. Other beliefs are expansive and lead the way

into wider and deeper sympathies.

Some beliefs are like shadows, clouding children's days and fears of un-

known calamities. Other beliefs are like sunshine, blessing children with the

warmth of happiness.

Some beliefs are divisive, separating saved from unsaved, friends from ene-

mies. Other beliefs are bonds in a world community, where sincere differences

beautify the pattern.

Some beliefs are like blinders, shutting off the power to choose one's own di-

rection. Other beliefs are like gateways opening wide vistas for exploration.

Some beliefs weaken a person's selfhood. They blight the growth of resource-

fulness. Other beliefs nurture self-confidence and enrich the feeling of personal

worth.

Some beliefs are rigid, like the body of death, impotent in a changing world.

Other beliefs are pliable, like the young sapling, ever growing with the upward

thrust of life.

That pretty much summarizes what I believe about what we believe.

Michael

Church Happenings...


GUYS’ NIGHT OUT INTRODUCES ...

THE SCIENCE OF FOOTBALL

Mr. Josh Marzahl, Head Football coach for the varsity

team at Gilford High School will help explain “The Sci-

ence of Football” at the Guys’ Night Out program on Thursday, November 16,

2017. As this is the height of football season for many, Mr. Marzahl will teach the group

what is happening on the field and how different plays are developed and implement-

ed. This should be a great program to help us understand what is being observed and

discussed.

Guys Night Out is a regular program of the Gilford Community Church and welcomes

all men in the Lakes Region. This night would be a good opportunity to bring your sons,

young friends and neighbors! The cost for the evening is $12 and reservation are request-

ed by November 13th. Please call the church office at 524-6057. The evening begins at

5:30 pm with a social hour followed by a great meal prepared by caterer, Ellie Murphy.

LADIES’ NIGHT OUT PRESENTS...

Mary Todd Lincoln

An Unconventional Woman

Portrayed by: Sally Mummy, NHCH

Friday, November 17, 2017, 6 p.m. $12.00

Reservations: Carolyn Ames 998-4044 or [email protected]

by Monday, Nov. 11th

Catered by: Ellie Murphy

Please bring a friend!


The

The Master Chorale will be performing on

November 18th and 19th at Plymouth State

University. Our very own Will Gunn and AJ

Coppola will be performing that evening.

If you have any questions, please see Will or

AJ.

We hope to see you there!

The 32nd annual Rev. Ray Wixson

Memorial Gilford Senior Citizen Din-

ner and Holiday Celebration will take

place on Tuesday, December 5th at the

Gilford Community Church.

Volunteers Needed for Church Committees

The Membership Committee is responsible for nominating

people to serve on our various church committees. The

process is finalized at our Annual Meeting at the end of Jan-

uary. If you would like more information about a particular

committee or have a committee you would like to serve on,

please contact Nancy Carsen 387-5799 or Jess Carder 998-

5142.

Three boys are in the

school yard bragging about

their fathers. The first boy

says, "My Dad scribbles a

few words on a piece of

paper, he calls it a poem, and they give

him $25."

The second boy says, "That's noth-

ing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a

piece of paper, he calls it a song, and

they give him $200."

The third boy says, "I got you both

beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on

a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon,

and it takes eight men to collect all the

money!"

Church Attendance for October

1st 175

8th 178

15th 183

22nd 182

29th 197

Hurricane Relief Update

Thank you so much to all those who donated

to GCC Hurricane Relief! The total collected

was $1950 + $750 matching funds from Out-

reach for a grand total of $2700. Of that

amount, $1600 went to Houston Food Bank

and $1100 to Bonita Springs Charter School

in Florida, sent in October. More details on

these organizations may be found at: houston-

foodbank.org/ and bonitaspringscharter.org/.

Good news! We received word that the char-

ter school association to which Bonita Springs

belongs, Charter School U.S.A. has pledged to

match our church donation to them as well, a

welcome bonus as the school community con-

tinues in their long recovery.


Youth News November 2017Youth News November 2017Youth News November 2017

Cookie Creations! Sunday, November 26th

following service

Join us after the service for some holi-

day cookie making. Kids will create and

decorate cookies for the GYC’s Santa

Land (cookie walk). Kids will also be

able to bake extra to bring home with

them. Parents are welcome to attend as

well.

Youth Christmas

Party and Potluck

Dinner Sunday, December 3rd

All youth members and their families

are invited to attend the Christmas

Party and Potluck Dinner at the Gilford

Youth Center.

The Party will begin at 4pm and will

lead up to the Annual Tree Lighting

Service.

The Gilford Youth Center is in need of some

High School youth volunteers to help with the

annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morn-

ing. If interested, please contact Scott

Annual Tree Lighting

Service

Sunday, December 3rd

This service is filled with youth readers

and performers of all

ages. If your child would like to read,

sing or play an instrument, please

contact Scott.

Senior Breakfast

and Bingo

Saturday, November 11, 9-10:30am

We will continue our monthly

“Breakfast & Bingo” for the residents of

the Village Knolls. We will meet at

8:15am. Following breakfast and bingo,

we will be making several dishes to

serve on the following Sunday’s Coffee

Hour

December 1st and 2nd

The GYC is need of Middle School and

High School volunteers to help run several

stations at the annual Santa Land. Santa

Land runs Friday evening and Saturday

morning. If interested, contact Scott Middle School and High School Volunteers Needed


Coffee Hour Hosts for November

11/5 May Stewart

11/12 Diaconate

11/19 Facilities

11/26 The Flecks’- “Left

Over Dessert Sunday”

Please contact Jessi Fleck at

[email protected] or 728-5671 if you

would like to help set up, clean up or pro-

vide a food item during one of the coffee

hours. Many thanks!

The first Sunday of every month is

FOOD COLLECTION SUNDAY and

members/non-members are invited to bring

donations to church with them.

Food Pantry requests for the month of

November

Hot Chocolate

Maple Syrup

Ramen Noodles

Jelly

For New Beginnings: (Please label these donations “New

Beginnings” and bring to the church foyer):

Kleenex

Assorted K Cups

Disposable Diapers (size 4)

Hot Chocolate

Paper Towels

Canned Soup

Pillows

FRIENDLY KITCHEN

is Friday, November

24th. Please sign up

downstairs on the bul-

letin board to volun-

teer.

The Friendly Kitchen Committee

serves lunch at the Salvation Army at

noon. The menu consists of a choice

of American Chop Suey and brownies.

The deadline to submit for

the December Newsletter is

Tuesday, November 21st.

A Peek at the Past Yesterdays at our Church

By Judy Buswell

Book of Memorials

A s Confucius, the often quoted Chinese philosopher who lived some 500 years before Christ, said,

“Study the past if you would define the future”. Perhaps nowhere is this sentiment more signifi-cant than for a church community like ours that gathers together with regularity and works side-by-

side for principles that improve the present and build the future.

With a history reaching back to the late 18th century, there have been hundreds of people from all backgrounds with a variety of skills and interests who have contributed to the presence, growth, and vitality of this church,

once

Many of these people are honored in the Book of Memorials that rests on the table against the wall on the left side of Sanctuary. BETH DEMEO, described by her friend Kathy LaCroix, as a “sweet lady who loved snow-shoeing and walking outdoors”, did the beautiful calligraphy in this book.

Adds Kathy, “She was a talented artist who also drew the sketch of our church that appears each week on the cover of

our Sunday bulletins.”

Mrs. DeMeo was an active GCC mem-ber but now lives in Fremont, NH with her family.

The first page in the Book of Memorials.

A Peek at the Past ~ Yesterdays at our Church pg-2

Memorial gifts are often tangible items and are located throughout the building with many in the Sanctuary. Some gifts were given to support Church Ministry. One is for Village Nursery School Scholarships and one is dedicated to church music. Several focus on technical equip-ment while some are spaces such as The Mason Room and Amy’s Room. Many assist with expansion of church facilities; others include landscaping and the Raymond C. Wixson Memorial Garden. Shown here and on the next page are a sampling of the Memorial Gifts:

Left: The Watson Bible, the oldest documented item listed in the Book of Memorials, is located on the left side at the front of the Sanctuary. It was donated in 1883 by Mercy F Watson to honor her mother, Elizabeth Fiske Watson.

Elizabeth (1792-1857), married to Job Watson, was also the mother of Rev. John Pillsbury Watson, who in 1885 authored the intense and or-nately composed “History of Gilford”.

Mercy Fiske Watson was Elizabeth’s daughter and the sister of Rev. J.P. Watson. Neither Rev. Watson or Mercy ever married and all three are buried in the McCoy Cemetery, near the intersection of Watson and Old Lake Shore Roads in Gilford.

This Watson Bible rests under the newest of the eight stained glass windows, gifted in memory of dedicated church members in 1890. This newest window honors two beloved and now deceased church musicians, Peg Keller and Lucile Allen.

Bottom: The Ash Pulpit and three chairs were donated in 1890 by family and friends to honor Julia A. Ladd. Julia A. Hoyt Ladd who was born in Gilford in 1819 but spent much of her life in Massachu-setts, was a generous donor and supporter of this Church.

A Peek at the Past ~ Yesterdays at our Church pg-3

(Continued from pg 1) The Oak Communion Table (also in this same photo) sits under the cross and is engraved with the words, “This Do in Remembrance of Me”. It was given in 1914 by George Munsey, Jr. in honor of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Munsey. George Munsey, Sr. owned what is now the Gilford Village Store with his son, John G Munsey. John G Munsey later served as Minister here at GCC at the turn of the 20th century when it was called the Free Baptist Church of Gilford.

These five pieces of furniture: the lectern, chairs, and communion table have been in continual use in this Church for more than 100 years.

Left: The Baptismal Font, given in 1955, honors Marshall Paul Har-ris who died suddenly that year at age 50 leaving his widow Dorothy and two young adult children. Mr. Harris owned Harris Stationery Store in downtown Laconia and was an active member throughout the Gilford community, including this Church.

Bottom Left: This Robert MacHaffie “Nautical Lectern”, craft-ed by Walker Weed, was donated by family and friends in 1979. Bob who was an active church leader died very suddenly in 1978, leaving his wife Doris and their four young children. The nautical images engraved on the lectern reflect both his deep passion for sailing and his faith in God. More information on the MacHaffie family and skilled studio craftsman, Walker Weed, is available in the June and July 2017 issues of the GCC newsletter.

Bottom Right: The first Allen Organ was given in 1976 to celebrate the lives of those listed on the plaque attached to the organ. When this organ was replaced in March of 1990, the plaque was transferred to the new Allen Organ.

When you have a free moment, do leaf through this “Book of Memories” to learn more about this Church’s rich heritage of faith-inspired community.

CREDITS:

Interviews with Mary Flinn, Rev. Graham, Kathy LaCroix, Doris MacHaffie

Archives: Thompson Ames Historical Society

Ancestry.com

“Free Will Baptist Cyclo-pedia”, Burgess & Ward, 1889

Histories of Gilford: Mulli-gan, Bolduc, Watson

“History of the Gilford Village, N.H. F.W. Baptist Church (1834-1898)”, Ellen Hunt

Thanksgiving Food Baskets 2017

Please sign up to participate on Sunday, November 5th.

Dinner – Turkey will be provided by GCC.

Place the following items in a round plastic laundry basket. 1 5lb Bag of Potatoes

1 jar Turkey Gravy

2 Cans Cut or Whole Green Beans

2 Cans Whole Kernel Corn

2 Cans Sliced Carrots

1 Box Turkey Stuffing

1 Can Black Olives

1 Jar Applesauce

2 Boxes Instant Pudding Mix

1 Box Dessert Mix – Brownie Mix or Cake mix w/can frosting

1 15oz Can Sliced Peaches

1 64oz Apple or Cranberry Juice

Note: The above listed sizes are for reference only. Ounce sizes may vary per product purchased. Shopping store brand labels is accepted and recommended.

If unable to provide the entire basket of food, please feel free to donate any of the items on the list.

Please bring your donations to the church no later than Sunday, November 12, 2017.

Contact Molly Notkin with any questions: [email protected] or 832-9178. Thank you for your contribution!

mailto:[email protected]

Each year, our Flower Committee decorates our sanctuary in keeping with the joy-

ous 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 Sunday bulletin on December 17th.

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 NEATLY.

In loving memory of OR To celebrate the life of (Please circle which one)

______________________________________


______________________________________


______________________________________

The church office will accept your completed form. It is expected that the payment

be made with the form. Please make your check payable to the Gilford Communi-

ty Church and indicate that it is for poinsettias. Thank you for your gift!

DEADLINE TO ORDER: Wednesday, December 13th by 2pm.

The Flower Committee is looking for some exotic/unique ever-

green trees or shrubs from which they will carefully prune a few

sprigs to use at the green’s table during the Christmas Fair.

Please contact Sandy Stafford (366-2626) or Jane Rollins (524-

9507) if you can help.

Faith Proposal Meeting

Minutes – Faith Proposal Meeting Sunday, October 29, 2017

Michael noted that moderator Alexandra Breed was out of town. In her absence Doug Hill

agreed to moderate the meeting. Doug called the meeting to order at 10:50 a.m.

Michael Graham, on behalf of the Membership Committee presented the following nominees for

committee chair positions for 2018:

Jessica Fleck – Congregational Life

Educational Ministries – Rebecca Watson

Membership – Jessica Carder and Nancy Carsen

Outreach – Molly Notkin and Dianne Anthony

Diaconate – Stacey Pate

Care and Concern – Nancy Milligan and Wendy Boysen

Finance – Bob Souter

Pastor Staff – Lori Marsh

Facilities – Eston Ross and Rick Snow

The slate was approved unanimously.

Doug introduced Treasurer Rick Edson who presented the preliminary 2018 Church Budget.

Rick highlighted expenses first noting that it is anticipated that 2018 expense would be at

$392,961 an increase of $8348 over 2017 (just under 3%). Our projected income (offerings, fairs,

gifts, facility use) for 2018 is $377,592 which would leave a shortfall of $15,369. The Finance

Committee is looking at other sources of income such as using some of our earnings from our

investment funds to balance the budget. Another source possible is an increase in pledges. After

presenting this information, Rick talked about his family’s strong financial support of the church

and encouraged others to generously do the same.

Doug asked for questions, there being none, the preliminary 2018 budget was sanctioned.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:12 a.m.

Christmas Mittens

At Gilford C0mmunity Church, we are giving people. We love to take care of others, and this year we will be "adopting" families to shower with our Christmas Love. There will be boys and girls, Moms and Dads. How exciting to share our love with these families!

This year we are trying something new by also helping St. Vincent DePaul with providing children’s undergarments, socks, PJ’s and clothing. What child isn’t excited about a new pair of PJ’s for Christmas?!

Christmas mittens will be available Sunday, November 19th, so that anyone who likes to shop the day after Thanksgiving can take advantage of the sales (and maybe buy a little something extra!)

If you would prefer to donate money or gift cards (for clothing, gro-ceries or gas) instead of shopping, we would be happy to accept those as well.

***Please take a mitten and

return the wrapped gifts with the mitten attached

by Sunday, December 3, 2017. ***

Thank you in advance to all the generous people

at Gilford Community Church.

The Outreach Committee

Contact Jessica Fleck with questions

[email protected] or 603-728-5671

mailto:[email protected]

2017 CHRISTMAS FAIR

Friday, December 1st, 5:00pm – 7:00pm; Saturday, December 2nd, 9:00am-1:00pm

Gilford Community Church Fellowship Hall

It has finally turned into fall-like weather which means preparations are underway for the 2017 Christmas Fair!

We welcome your donations big or small and your participation big or small. Let the music, food and shopping

put you in the holiday spirit and join us at the GCC Christmas Fair.

Donations: Please bring your Christmas related and all other white elephant items to church prior to Thanksgiv-

ing. Christmas toys, linens, books, dvd’s and household items in good condition are welcome. Sorry, we cannot

accept computers, televisions or any electronics. If possible, please bring your items to the last room on the right

downstairs at the end of the hallway. (look for Christmas Fair sign) Or, if you unable to carry the items downstairs

please leave it by the elevator in the foyer marked for the Christmas Fair. (Thank you, Tom, for assisting with car-

rying these items downstairs.)

Jewelry Donations: Please bring your well cared for jewelry to the church office. The jewelry room is a big attrac-

tion!

Fresh Christmas Wreaths: N.H. farm fresh Christmas wreaths can be pre-ordered now (see order form on next

page). You may submit your order to the church office by Sunday, November 12th with checks made payable to

GCC. All wreaths should be picked up during the Christmas Fair. Helpers are needed to attach the bows onto

the wreaths one or two nights before the fair.

Gift Card Silent Auction: Please donate any type of restaurant, grocery or retail store gift cards to be part of the

Silent Auction. Please drop them off at the church office labeled for the fair.

Baked Goods: Christmas cookies, pies, bars, bread and jams are a great addition to the fair. Please drop off your

treats to the baked goods table on Friday, December 2nd. Please package 2-3 cookies/bars per sandwich bag for

easy sale.

Volunteers Needed:

1. To set up on Sunday, November 26th immediately following coffee hour.

2. For on-going merchandising and pricing of items throughout the week of 11/27-12/1.

3. To attach bows to the wreaths one or two nights before the fair.

4. For floral arranging and sales, baked goods table, general white elephant sales, book sales, jewelry sales or San-

ta’s kitchen luncheon preparation

5. For fair Break down starting at 12:30pm on Saturday, December 2nd.

Please contact Dan or Holly Vieten for questions about donation items or volunteering.

603-387-3105

[email protected]

[email protected]

Plain Wreath with Velvet Bow

Brick Red Burgundy Retail QTY Total

22" Balsam Wreath with 6 loop velvet bow

$24

28" Balsam Wreath with 8 loop velvet bow

$31

36" Balsam Wreath with 10 loop velvet

bow $45

Decorated Wreath with Velvet Bow

Brick Red Retail QTY Total

22" Balsam Wreath with 6 Loop Velvet

Bow, Berry Clusters and Pinecones

$29

28" Balsam Wreath with 8 Loop Velvet

Bow, Berry Clusters and Pine Cones

$39

36" Balsam Wreath with 10 Loop

Velvet Bow, Berry Clusters and Pine

Cones

$49

Kissing Ball

Brick Red Retail QTY Total 14" Decorated Kissing Ball - White

Tipped Pine Cones and Red Velvet

Streamers

$40

All items will be available for pick up during the Christmas Fair, Dec. 1st and 2nd.

Swag

Brick Red Retail QTY Total 26" Swag of mixed Balsam, Cedar,

White Pine greens, mini 3 loop

velvet bow

$28

Please make check payable to

“GCC” and return this order form

to the church office by

Sunday, November 12th. Total

Name: Amount

Phone: Check #

Email: Due

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 Adult Book Study

10:30am

Chancel Choir

6-7pm

3 Worship Service at

Genesis

(Laconia Rehab Ctr)

10am

4

10am

Worship

Communion

Food Collection

11:15am

Diaconate Mtg

6

Chordsmen

7:15pm

7 8 9

Adult Book Study

10:30am

*Chancel Choir

6-7pm

10

Gilford Farmer’s Market

at the GYC

9-12pm

12

10am

Worship

Hymn Sing

Outreach Mtg

11:15am

Wreath Order

Deadline

13

Senior Momentum

11:30-2:30pm

Membership Mtg

5:15pm

Church Council

6:30pm

Chordsmen

7:15pm

14

15

16

Adult Book Study

10:30am

Guys’ Night Out

5:30pm

*Chancel Choir

6-7pm

17

Ladies’ Night Out

6pm

18


at the GYC

9-12pm

Mickey & Minnie

Breakfast Bash

9-11am

19 10am

Worship

11:15am

Outreach

Committee

20 Senior Momentum

Breakfast

8:30-12pm

Chordsmen

7:15pm

21 22

Turkey Trot

9am

24

Friendly Kitchen

25


at the GYC

9-12pm

Mickey & Minnie

Breakfast Bash

9-11am

26

10am

Worship

Cookie Creations

Following worship

27 Senior Momentum

11:30-2:30pm

Chordsmen

7:15pm

28

29 30

Adult Book Study

10:30am

*Chancel Choir

6-7pm

*Chancel Choir is

open to those 18 years

and older.

November 2017

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the village newsletter€¦ · village newsletter * gilford community church * issue 11 november...

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