VILLAGE NEWSLETTER - Gilford Community Church …...Dru Chatterton—Office Secretary email:...
Transcript of VILLAGE NEWSLETTER - Gilford Community Church …...Dru Chatterton—Office Secretary email:...
www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org OCTOBER 2015 Issue 10
VILLAGE
NEWSLETTER
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 October 2015 * Page 1
FAITH PROPOSAL SUNDAY
The last Sunday of the
month, October 25th,
is our annual FAITH
PROPOSAL
SUNDAY at which we
present the
proposed 2016 budget
and elect the slate of 2016 committee chairs. This
involves a very brief meeting following worship.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This Will Cool You Off!
December 4 and 5th are the
dates for our Christmas Fair—
please start going through what
you would like to donate to the
White Elephant. Dan Vieten is
the chair of the Christmas Fair
(387-4899; [email protected]).
If you are crafty, now is the
time to start on a homemade
craft for the Craft Table.
Call Dan or the office if you
would like to participate in the
Fair.
SAVE THE DATE!
OKTOBERFEST October 31
6:00 pm
Call Eloise Post (986-6723 or
[email protected]) to volunteer to
set-up, cook and/or clean-up for this
popular dinner for the community. Also
call Eloise to make reservations for this
event.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thanks to each and every one of you who stepped
forward to help with the Church Summer Fair. Once
again, your efforts and sacrifices in the heat and busy-
ness of August made the Summer Fair pull together. It
was hard work, despite the good fellowship, but it feels
good to have our efforts rewarded by earning
$16,000 for our church!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 at 8:00 A.M.
is our
annual Fall Church Clean-Up day. All are
invited to come and to bring your favorite
rake and/or leaf blower!
Sincerely,
Michael
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 * October 2015 * Page 2
September is my favorite month in the church calendar. There are no high holy days – nothing
liturgically remarkable; but September kicks off the church school year. That means many of our
members return from their summer hiatus. It’s great catching up and re-entering the routine of life.
October is undoubtedly my favorite month of the year. I love the cooler days, the changing colors.
But October is probably my least favorite month with respect to the church. It is the month we begin to
talk about money. One thing that makes that difficult for me is that my family’s financial welfare depends
upon your generosity. It doesn’t take a financial wiz to look at our budget and realize that I’m the most
costly line-item. That’s typical in small to mid-size congregations, but knowing that fact doesn’t make it
less awkward.
Over the years, especially my thirteen years at GCC, here’s how I’ve come to reconcile things; I
completely embrace these convictions:
The Gilford Community Church is one of the great difference makers in our community and
region. I believe the work of our church makes a tangible difference in the lives of so many; inside and
outside our church. A gift to our church is an investment in our community.
Secondly, I have complete confidence in our Finance Committee and Church Council. They
exercise extreme care in managing our resources. We are committed to prudently using any of our funds,
almost always asking, “Is it necessary?”
Thirdly, generosity is a core value of what it is to be a person of faith. We can risk being
generous because we trust the abundance of the universe. I hope your generosity extends well beyond the
support of the church.
Finally, in my almost 56 years, many of the happiest people I know also happen to be the most
generous. In fact, I can’t think of one generous person who isn’t quite happy. And we all know miserly
people who are quite miserable.
I am grateful for all your support, your generosity, and your willingness to think about something
both difficult and personal.
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 the next Meet
n’ Greet, held on a Sunday after worship 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
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
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 * October 2015 * Page 3
October 1st will be our first delivery of the GILFORD GOT LUNCH school year program.
Please email us at www.gilfordgotlunch.com or call your child’s school office or nurse’s
office to register. Registration is also available through the SAU office (527-9215.)
We appreciate all feedback. Our website is available to receive your comments!
Music Notes
Carolyn Ames (Music Director/Organist)
AJ Coppola
(Choir Director)
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 * October 2015 * Page 4
PRAYER LINE If you would like prayer support for yourself or
for a loved one, call your Prayer Line
Coordinator, Barbara Hauck, at 524-3381, with
your requests. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL!
1 Aaron Stewart, Ron Dudley, Mike
Murphy
2 Mary Dexter, Jonathan Gellert
3 Kelly Nix
4 Mary Flinn, Bonnie Deutch
5 Sam Leggett
6 Doris MacHaffie
8 Allen Voivod
9 Bruce Papps, Peyton Sawyer
10 Michael Graham, Stephen Brown
11 David Haley
12 James Wixson
14 Kathleen Merriam
15 Betsy MacHaffie , Kaleb Brown
18 Michael Wernig
21 Abigail Ross
22 Robert Souter
23 Wanda Carder
24 Michael Baron, Jaimen Sawyer
25 Elaine Shea, Mia Coppola, Sara
Ellen Godek, Stephanie Labonte,
Richie Edson, James Cowan,
Barbara Monahan, Kenneth Ries,
Mckenzie Leroux, Al Rollins
26 Daniel Dormody
27 Liv Arvidson
30 Sue Ross, Barbara Allard, Sophie
Leggett
31 Bob Daniell, Shayna Tomlinson,
Carter Mercer, Shannon Mercer,
Grace Devarney
October Anniversaries
4 Steve & Debbie Birch 1986
6 Dennis & Penny Franciosi 1963
10 Warren & Susan Noyes 1959
11 Lee & Jonena Miller 2008
12 Kenneth & Lori Erickson 2005
16 Patty & Randy Pike 1993
28 Russ & Dianne Lauffer 2000
After a fantastic performance at Gilford Old Home
Day, the Chancel Choir is “back in action” with
several new members—Ellie Murphy and Nancy
Frost have joined us and have been wonderful
additions to the choir.
As more members finish up summer engagements
and return to the choir, it’s a great time to join in the
fun. All are welcome to join the choir—no
experience needed! Rehearsals are every Thursday
evening from 6-7 pm in the sanctuary and before
church every Sunday.
There has already been some great music this fall—
Michael Wernig played a beautiful piano solo on
Rally Day, and two middle school students from
Campton Elementary School, Melody Wooster and
Emma Webster, also shared their talent with the
congregation. We look forward to many more great
selections this year—and we hope that you are, too.
Musically Yours, Carolyn and AJ
Prayers of comfort
and strength to
family and friends.
Our Losses in September:
Ann Munier
Steve Richmond
Lorraine Buckley
Lorraine Starr
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 * October 2015 * Page 5
Dear Michael and Jessi,
Thanks to the giving spirit and generosity of the members,
patrons and friends of the Gilford Community Church, and under
the inspired organization of Jessi Fleck, I brought school clothes
to some of the children for whom I advocate through CASA of NH
on Sunday, August 30th. The children I represent through CASA
have been either neglected or abused by their parents. Often these
children have been exposed to drug and alcohol use, domestic
violence and most are affected by poverty. Giving them a bright
beginning to the school year, in a way that they usually don’t
experience, was very uplifting.
I wanted to share how much these selfless gifts meant to these children. I watched a little girl open a
bag of clothes that held more new clothes than she has ever seen at one time in her life. She was able
to start her first year of school with not only a new pair of sneakers that light up and twinkle, but with
a pair of dressy shoes and casual ones, as well. The three boys, who are in middle and elementary
school, will feel so much more like they fit in with their peers, when they, too, are able to show up on
the first day of school wearing something new. “Cool! NIKE sneakers!” one of them said.
Because of the confidentiality surrounding my cases, I cannot share pictures; I can only describe that
their faces beamed and their excitement was heard throughout the home they now share with their
grandmother who cares for them while their mother cannot. Their fathers have been absent from their
lives for some time now.
In addition to the clothing, they were provided with much needed bedding, towels and toiletries. Their
home felt like Christmas as they looked at all the bags. As one of the boys helped me carry new pil-
lows into the home, he asked, “Can I have one?” (Imagine when a child finds a fresh pillow such a
treasure!)
Thank you for making possible something which I, as their court-appointed advocate, am unable to do.
I am grateful, the children’s grandmother expressed extreme gratitude, and the children are all in a
better place because of your efforts.
God bless,
Pam Clark
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BLESSING OF THE PETS
In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, the church will hold a Pet
Blessing Ceremony in our courtyard at 2:00 on Sunday, October 4th.
Donations will be accepted to help support the New Hampshire Humane
Society in Laconia. In lieu of a monetary donation, people may also
donate canned dog or cat food, cat or dog treats, paper towels. Other
needs are listed on the Humane Society website: http://wwwnhhumane.org/help-wishlist.php
Donations may be brought to worship on October 4th or to the ceremony at 2:00.
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 * October 2015 * Page 6
Our church is available to both the church family and the greater com-
munity during the difficult time of the loss of a loved one. A funeral
service or a memorial service is a very sacred time for which the
church needs to be there for families. It is our belief that the style of a
service or remembrance is driven and guided by the members of the
family, with the assistance and guidance of the pastor.
Eloise Post is the church’s Wedding/Funeral Reception Coordinator.
She is available, along with her committee of volunteers, to coordi-
nate, free of charge, a light luncheon and/or array of finger desserts to
follow the funeral service of a church member. This reception would
take place in our Fellowship Hall. This is a free service, with no
charge. Occasionally, if food donations from the congregation are
inadequate, and food needs to be purchased, the family is asked to reimburse the church for those
incidentals beyond the donations. The family is also free, of course, to hire their own caterer, at their
own arrangement and expense, for a more formal gathering.
People from the community who are not associated with our church are not charged for the sanctuary,
but for those who would like a reception to follow their service, they are encouraged to either hire
Eloise Post or Ellie Murphy to cater a reception, or someone else of their choosing.
Earning cash for local schools is easy with BOX TOPS FOR
EDUCATION. With the submission of the box tops (pictured left),
funds are donated to schools for the purchase of supplies such as
playground toys, music tools or gym equipment.
Box Tops coupons are found on hundreds of products and are each
worth ten cents. The coupons can be clipped from Pillsbury, Orogres-
so, Betty Crocker, Ziplock, Scott, General Mills and Green Giant, as
well as on online bonus offers.
The clipped coupons can be placed in a container on the counter in the
church office. Nan Fay then delivers the container to the Gilford
Elementary School. A coordinator at the school will then submit
them so that the school can receive checks which are mailed twice a
year based on the number of coupons.
We have been collecting the BOX TOPS coupons for the school for
several years and with others giving as well, they have earned $1,176
over the past five years. The program is one of America’s largest K-8
school loyalty earning plans.
Thank you, Nan Fay, for coordinating this outreach for the church!
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 * October 2015 * Page 7
COFFEE HOUR
Coffee hours are a very important part of our church. It is a time for us to gather after a wonderful
service to meet and to socialize with each other.
We are looking for two families each Sunday to volunteer to host coffee hour. We
want to keep the coffee hour simple!
If you are interested in volunteering to help out with coffee hour or if you have ques-
tions, please contact Bea Snow at 832-3195 or [email protected].
(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
September: Breakfast bars, cereal, instant
oatmeal.
For New Beginnings: (Please label these
donations “New Beginnings” and bring to
church): Clothes detergent, toilet paper, baby
wipes, diapers and Q-tips.
FRIENDLY KITCHEN is Friday, October
23rd. We are starting the winter menu
(American Chop Suey; brownies) (We need
five people to volunteer for each month.) Please
sign up downstairs on the bulletin board. Please
bring your donations to the church kitchen by
9:30 a.m.
We will be serving lunch at the Salvation Army
at noon.
THE VILLAGE NURSERY SCHOOL
At the
Gilford Community Church
We are VERY proud of the Village Nursery School
program which is held in our church during the
week. The program emphasis is on WHO THE
CHILD IS, rather than on WHAT HE/SHE CAN
DO.
The entire program is designed to foster the growth
of the child. In a warm and loving environment,
each child feels accepted, secure and good about
himself/herself.
The school is designed to meet the developmental
needs of each child, being sensitive to age appropri-
ate expectations and enabling growth on an individu-
al basis. There is a strong emphasis on socialization
skills, as well as self-control and self-expression.
The school is in operation five days a week begin-
ning in mid-September through June. Monday,
Wednesday and Friday is for the 4-5 year old and
Tuesday and Thursday is for the 3-4 year old. The
children arrive at 9 am and the school day ends at 12.
(There are still openings in the 3-4 age group for the
2015-2016 school year.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 524-7444
The Village Nursery School is a non-profit, non-
denominational nursery school sponsored by the Gilford
Community Church. The school is licensed by the State of
New Hampshire.
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 * October 2015 * Page 8
Youth News October 2015
Apple Creations Sunday, October 18
Following Coffee Hour
Apple Creations Sunday, October 18
Following Coffee Hour
Apple Creations Sunday, October 18
Following Coffee Hour
Join us following the service on October 18th for
“Apple Creations.”
We will be making various apple dishes,
including pies, crisps, apple sauce and candy
apples.
This is event is for youth of all ages, as well as
family members.
Twice a month, high school youth members are
invited to meet during the 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, across
from the sanctuary.
Friends are always invited to attend.
Dates: October 11 and October 25
Sunday, November 1st
11-4 pm
All H.S. and M.S. youth
members are invited to
participate.
Senior Breakfast and Bingo
Saturday, October 17, 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
**READERS WANTED**
We are currently looking for
scripture readers for Sunday services.
If interested, please contact Scott.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 at 8:00 A.M.
is our
annual Fall Church Clean-Up day. All youth
are invited to come and to bring your favorite
rake and/or leaf blower!
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1 6:00 Chancel Choir
2 4:30 Bike Ride and Spaghetti Fundraiser in memory of Dr. Andrew Kane.
3 11:00 Memorial Service for Fred Davidson
4 10:00 Worship-Communion 2:00 Blessing of the Pets
5 1-3:30 Opechee Garden 7:15 Chordsmen
6 6:30 CNHARC
7 12 :00 Adult Study 7-8:30 Troop 243
8
6:00 Chancel Choir
9 10
11 9:40 Hymn Sing 10:00 Worship “Tea Time” for high school following Chil-dren’s Time
12
11:30-2:30 Senior
Momentum
5:30 Membership
6:30 Church Coun
6:30 CNHARC
7:15 Chordsmen
13
14 7-8:30 Troop 243
15
6:00 Chancel Choir
16
5:30-9 Belknap County Farm Bu-reau Annual Meet-ing 4:30 Wedding Rehearsal
17 9-10:30 Break-fast and Bingo for Village Knolls 4:00 Wedding
18 10:00 Worship “Apple Creations” following coffee hour
19 8:30-12 Senior Momentum 6:30 Rotary Board. 7:00 Troop 243 Comm. 7:15 Chordsmen
20 12 noon 2nd Graders having lunch here
21 12:00 Adult Study 7-8:30 Troop 243
22 12 noon 2nd Graders having lunch here 6:00 Chancel Choir
23 FRIENDLY KITCHEN (Winter Menu) 6:00 Wedding Rehearsal
24 8 am Fall Clean Up Day 2:00 Wedding
25 10:00 Worship “Tea Time” for high school following Chil-dren’s Time 11:15 Outreach Mtg.
26 11:30-2:30 Senior Momentum 7:15 Chordsmen
27
28 12:00 Adult Study 7-8:30 Troop 243
29 6:00 Chancel Choir
30 31 6:00 OKTOBERFEST Youth for Hire tomorrow 11-4 (Nov. 1st)
OCTOBER 2015
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 10 * October 2015 * Page 9