1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

VILLAGE
www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2015
MOTHER’S DAY
CARDS FOR SALE
April 26 and May 3
Purchase a Mother’s Day
card at coffee hour or at
the church office and
Church World Service
will
provide blankets for those
in need or in crisis
throughout the world.
You have the option of
making a
dedication in honor of or
in memory of a mother
in your life, and the
dedication will be printed
in the Mother’s Day
Sunday bulletin.
“Spring & Summer Fashions and
Accessories” (T.J. Maxx)
Friday, May 15
6:00 p.m.
Dinner catered by Eloise Post
Cost: $12.00 (make checks
payable to Carolyn Ames)
Deadline: Sunday, May 10th
New Beginnings is in special need of bath towels (which
can be reasonably purchased at Home Goods & Walmart).
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
Issue 5
10th Annual GCC FAMILY CRUISE
NIGHT
Thursday, May 21 5:00 pm
(rain date May 28th)
This event takes place in the church parking
lot! High dollar hot rods, dragsters, funny
cars, sports cars, Indianapolis racecars, fire
engines, tractors, rare and not-so-rare antique
cars and trucks! Admission free for all
spectators as well as participants.
A spectacular pulled-pork BBQ (hotdogs, too)
by Ellie Murphy will begin at 6:00 pm.
Tickets are $12.00 per person IN ADVANCE
(at coffee hour or from the church office) until
May 19th. A limited number will be on sale at
the gate for $15.00.
This year’s featured car (above) has been built
by our own Dennis Franciosi. Dennis starts
with an idea and transforms it into an amazing
reality. The frame, including the running gear
and body, were designed and hand-built by
Dennis in his garage. He did all the finish
bodywork and painting. It’s a work of art!
Get your ticket at $12 before May 19th!!
Issue 5 *
May 2015 *
Page 1
What comes to mind when you think of May? Some, I’m sure, are looking forward to the warmer,
longer days of a theoretical spring as you check your yard for those first flowers. Bill, Warren, Don and
Dennis, when they think of May, think of the Family Cruise Night that they’ve organized for a number of
years. School children and teachers may be counting the days till summer vacation.
I think of Dick Peterson and Doris MacHaffie. I met both of them May 1, 2002 - my first day on the job
as the pastor of the Gilford Community Church. Of course, I already knew the members of the search
committee and other church members were introduced to me when I candidated in February; but that
weekend remains a blur. May 1st is still a vivid memory. I arrived early with thirty-two boxes of books to
put into my new office. When I did, Dick was busy putting the finishing touches of a fresh coat of paint
in the place I’d call my home away from home. Shaking his hand, I knew Dick was a very special person,
but I had no way of knowing just how special. Doris manned or better, womanned the church office.
Warmly she welcomed me as she assured me that whatever I needed, she’d do. There was one little
caveat: she wouldn’t make my coffee and she liked hers black and very hot.
So many wonderful things have happened over these years. Certainly the expansion of the Sanctuary/
Fellowship Hall and the addition of the Gilford Youth Center are at the top of the list of what we’ve
accomplished. But right beside that, on my list anyway, are the loving relationships we’ve developed.
Truly you all have become part of my life. It’s hard to remember B.Y. (before you).
We’ve shared so many good moments and endured more than a few tough times. We’ve celebrated
births and baptisms, we’ve been privileged to watch our children grow and flourish; some of our children
are now having their own children. Young ones who were just starting first grade when I arrived are now
making decisions about colleges and careers.
Together we’ve also been visited by sorrow and disappointment. Our lives have been knit together by
those joyful and tragic moments. Cindie and I thank you for bearing our pain.
Thank you for all your support; may we continue to grow as a church and to be a blessing to our
community and beyond.
With love,
Michael
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 5 * May 2015 *
Page 2
Attendance
April 5
403
April 12
218
April 19
258
April 26
187
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: gccoffice@metrocast.net
website: www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org
Rev. Michael C. Graham, Pastor
e-mail: gcc@metrocast.net
Carolyn Ames, Music Director/Organist
AJ Coppola, Choir Director
Scott Hodsdon, Director of Youth &
Family Programs
e-mail: gccscott@metrocast.net
Rick Edson - Treasurer
email: rick.edson99@gmail.com
Jane Karagianis—Financial Accountant
email: gccjane@metrocast.net
Dru Chatterton—Office Secretary
email: gccoffice@metrocast.net
Church Office Hours: M-Th 9:00 to 2:00 pm
THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS
OUR CHURCH COMMITTEE CHAIRS
2015
CHURCH COUNCIL
Jessica Fleck
jfleckjr@metrocast.net
728-5671
PASTOR/STAFF
FACILITIES
Carl Carder
Keith Gandini
Derek Blackwelder
carlcarder@metrocast.net
kgandini@metrocast.net
Blackwelder_derek@hotmail.com
520-8405
387-1755
556-7164
FINANCE
OUTREACH
Walter Berghahn
Jessica Fleck
walterberghahn@yahoo.com
jfleckjr@metrocast.net
528-7679
728-5671
DIACONATE
FLOWER COMMITTEE
Stacey Pate
Sandy Stafford
Jan Briggs
staceyl@metrocast.net
cstafford@metrocast.net
jan.briggs@ymail.com
370-8248
387-8011
630-6593
MEMBERSHIP
Irene Santaniello
i_santaniello@myfairpoint.net
279-6726
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES
Rebecca Watson
reds_watson@hotmail.com
293-1103
CARE & CONCERN
FAIR COMMITTEE
Nancy Peterson
Barbara Allard
Dan Vieten (Christmas)
peterson@metrocast.net
tyroddon@metrocast.net
sleddude@aol.com
455-6675
279-1070
387-4899
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Doris MacHaffie
dcmachaffie@metrocast.net
524-1169
VILLAGE NURSERY SCHOOL
Katie Bryant
dukefans@metrocast.net
520-6660
FELLOWSHIP & KITCHEN
Eloise Post
eloise@metrocast.net
986-6723
PRAYER LINE COORDINATOR
Barbara Hauck
bfhauck20@metrocast.net
524-3381
Village Newsletter
* Gilford Community Church *
Issue 5 *
May 2015 *
Page 3
Music Notes
MAY BIRTHDAYS
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
11
14
15
17
18
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
31
Tom Guerin
Alex Stewart, Harold Dexter, Amy
Tripp
Dana Brown
Sara Stewart
Debby Mercer, Steve Anthony
Joe Scattergood
John Babcock, Soren Babcock
Zach Youssef
Riley Marsh
Heather Labonte
Barbara Carey, Cynthia Tomlinson,
Patrick Gandini
Robin Baron
Bethany King
Stacy Briggs, Jesse Ross, Michael
Marsh
May Stewart
Lani Voivod, Kathy Arenstam, Alan
Beard
Keira & Ella Squires, Britni Baron
Steven Richardson
Donna Snow
Dennis McAllister, Randy Pike
Dianne Anthony
Keith Gandini
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
2
8
13
14
16
19
23
24
29
Mary & Walter Flinn
Wanda & Carl Carder
Mary & Warren Hutchins
Martha & John Sepe
Steve & Dianne Anthony
Brenda & Rick Nelson
Pat and Irene Santaniello
Barry & Cheryl LaBrancheArvidson
Derek & Kris Blackwelder
1953
1976
1978
1960
1976
1984
1991
2004
Carolyn Ames
(Music Director/Organist)
AJ Coppola
(Choir Director)
It’s been an exciting month for the Chancel Choir!
The nice weather has brought some of our traveling
members back: Judy Brown returned from Virginia
and Morris Harrison from Florida. Also, Stu
Boysen joined our choir, so we’re looking pretty
good these days!
We were excited to share some special music on
Easter. May Stewart, Will Gunn and 9th grader
(and recent confirmand) Tyler Hanf joined our
anthem on his trumpet. The end of the service was
celebrated with the Hallelujah Chorus, with many
from the congregation joining the choir up front.
There will be some special music coming to our
sanctuary on May 7th. The Pemi Choral Society
will be singing their spring program, featuring our
own Will Gunn as the assistant director! Carol
Gellert and AJ Coppola also sing in the choir, so we
hope to see you all there!
If you have any interest in joining the choir, it’s not
too late! With 6 Sundays left in the choir season,
we would love to add your voice! Rehearsals are
every Thursday evening from 6-7 in the sanctuary.
Join us!
- AJ Coppola
Prayers of comfort
and strength to
family and friends.
Memorial Services scheduled in May:
May 9
May 10
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
9:00 Betty Persons
1:00 Lee Elder
Issue 5
May 2015 *
Page 4
1st Annual Lakes Region
Inter-Faith Prayer Breakfast
“Many Voices, United in Prayer”
St. Andre Bessette Parish Hall
31 Gilford Avenue, Laconia
Thursday, May 7th, 2015
National Day of Prayer
Doors open………………..6:30 am
Breakfast Served………….6:45 am
Program Begins…………...7:40 am
Program Ends……………..8:59 am
Tickets are $12.00 per person. See Michael for a free ticket!
Net proceeds to support: Hands Across the Table Website: www.standrebessette.org/hatt1
----------------------The National Day of Prayer enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our founding fathers sought the
wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions. It stands as a call to us to humbly come before God, seeking
His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as people.
The Lakes Region Inter-Faith Prayer Breakfast is being started as a means of bringing together people of different
backgrounds and affiliations to celebrate the blessings of the year and to join in inclusive fellowship for the
spiritual renewal of community, state and nation.
OUTREACH REQUEST
The Outreach Committee is working with the Gilford Elementary School nurse to make sure that the
students have warm, dry clothing this spring. Now that the snow has melted, and the kids are allowed to
play on the playground, slip and fall accidents on the wet/muddy ground can cause the students to have
wet sneakers, pants and shirts. As you go through your children’s clothes to buy new and bigger clothes,
remember that we can use your “outgrown” pants, shirts, socks, sneakers and undies.
We are not asking for new clothing. Gently used is best; the children only need a couple of hours in them
to finish off the school day.
Sizes needed are items that fit kindergarten through 4th grade.
Please bring them to the Outreach Closet at church and label them for Outreach/GES.
Thank you for your help!
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
Issue 5 *
May 2015 *
Page 5
How to Donate Food That Won’t go to Waste
Give like a hungry person. If all you had to eat was in a bag of donated food, what would you want in
it?
Don’t give out of the ordinary items. If they don’t know what to do with it, it will get thrown out.
Give no-cook items. Give Granola bars, crackers, Spam, tuna, peanut butter and jelly. When you are
homeless, you may not have access to a microwave or stove.
The easier the better. Look for items that say Just add water such as instant oatmeal.
Pull top cans are better. It’s hard to be hungry and not have any way to open the can.
Avoid glass jars. They break too easily.
Buy what’s needed. It’s best to stick with the items on the wish list than to buy an item that can’t be
used.
Check your grocery store. Many stores will assemble bags of food you can donate for $5 or $10.
Look for discounted dented cans.
Be thoughtful. Try to include at least one item you’d choose as a treat for your kids. Someone else’s
child will love You for it.
Consider donating cash. Some programs can get much better deals on food than you can. $100 to
Gilford Got Lunch can help feed a local child all summer.
Most importantly, do what you can. You can’t go wrong!
The first Sunday of every month (Communion Sunday) is also Food Collection Sunday. Bring your
donations to church for the Food Pantry (as well as donations for New Beginnings.) Specific needs are
stated in the Sunday bulletin the last Sunday of the month, and are also in the newsletter.
-----------------------------We have been gone for well over a year now…..leaving Gilford to chase grandkids in the
South. Our absence from Gilford left a hole in our hearts. I wonder if people recognize the
hidden value of church community that they have there? I wonder if anybody really
understands how much they mean to each other—each person providing just a little bit of
reassurance & community? Fairs, festivals, parades, car shows, fundraisers in small town
America where you know so many and so many others are familiar— it’s irreplaceable!
We remember one of the church ladies walking by the front pew of children, all dressed for
a Christmas pageant, and she kissed each one on the forehead! Incredible! We are still
searching for that Gilford Community Church in Panama City Beach. Thus far, the options
seem to range from Disney productions with remote broadcast Sony Tron sermons or
churches altogether unable to engage youth—that was something we gave to our grand
girls in Gilford, thanks to the church and the Sunday School volunteer teachers, and every
other opportunity you presented to our family!
GCC has a unique, effective blend and the congregation needs to know they are
irreplaceable! Thank you for what you gave us!!
- Dale and Cathy Squires
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
Issue 5 *
May 2015 *
Page 6
From the Care And Concern Committee:
Since our March sign up, our volunteers have been
responding to requests for assistance. Thanks to all
of you for your gracious attention to our Church
family.
(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
May: Minute Rice/Instant Potatoes, grape
jelly and cereals.
For New Beginnings: (Please label these
donations “New Beginnings” and bring to
church): razors and shaving cream, used
magazines and silverware.
If any members of our congregation would like to
join us as a volunteer, the good news is that you
don't have to wait until next March! Just speak with
one of our Committee members (we wear green
name tags) and you will be added to the list.
Please note also that anyone may ask for help for
themselves or for anyone else when the need arises.
Barbara Allard &
Nancy Peterson, Cochairs.
JoAnn Cowan
Lauretta Dwyer
Carole Williams
Eloise Post
Shea King
Kim Francoeur
FRIENDLY
KITCHEN
is Friday, May 22nd. Please bring your donations of
American Chop Suey and/or brownies to the church kitchen
by 9:30 a.m.
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 questions, please contact Bea Snow at 832-3195 or
snows@metrocast.net.
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
Issue 5 *
May 2015 *
Page 7
The Pemigewasset Choral Society presents “American Tapestry”
42nd Season
2015 Spring Concert Series
In our church sanctuary on Thursday, May 7th at 7:30 p.m. (admission by donation).
Will Gunn, assistant Music Director (Carol Gellert and AJ Coppola are in the choir)
The Pemi Choral Society will be performing at St.Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Franklin, NH
on Friday, May 8th at 7:30 (admission by donation) and at the PSU Silver Center for the Arts on
Sunday, May 10th at 3:00 pm (adults $12.00; students and seniors $5.00)
THE ART OF LAST THINGS
Conversations and Resources for Living and Dying Well
1st Congregational Church, 115 S. Main St., Wolfeboro
ART EXHIBIT (Deidre Scherer)
May 1-June 16th
Artist’s Talk June 16th, 7 pm
Presentations with Discussion (Tuesdays 4-6 pm) Admission: Donations Welcome
May 12 and 19
“Legal and Financial Planning”
May 26
“Funeral Planning”
June 2
“Advanced Care Planning”
June 9
“Grief and Bereavement Resources”
Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church *
Issue 5 *
May 2015 *
Page 8
Youth News
Church Clean-Up Day
Saturday, May 2nd, 7am
Youth members of all ages are invited to
attend our annual Church Clean-Up Day,
Saturday, May 2nd, 7am.
We will be working around the property
(Raking, bagging leaves, etc).
High School Volunteers Needed!!
8 am – 12 May 16th
If you are able/willing to help, please contact
Scott.
Thanks to all the youth members who
attended our Christ Quest: Spring Fling!!!!
May 2015
Car Wash
Sunday, May 31
During Service
We will be holding a car wash during
the Sunday service on Sunday, May 31.
Proceeds from the event will help fund
this year’s Mission Trip. All youth
members in High School and Middle
School are invited to help. Please be at
the church by 9:30am.
Senior Breakfast and Bingo
Saturday, May 23
9-10:30
We will be continuing our senior outreach
this month with a breakfast and bingo
event for the seniors of the Village Knolls.
The past events were a huge success. We
are in need of both middle and high school
students to help set-up, cook, serve, run
bingo, and clean up.
If you wish to help, please contact Scott.
Helpers should be at Fellowship Hall at
8:15am.
SUN
3
10:00 Worship/
Communion
FOOD COLLECTION
11:15 Diaconate
Mother’s Day cards for
Sale
10
9:40 Hymn Sing
10:00 Worship
1:00 Memorial
Service for Lee Elder
17
10:00 Worship
24
10:00 Worship
11:15 Outreach
31
10:00 Worship
CAR WASH DURING
SERVICE
MON
4
1-3:30 Opechee Garden
4:15 Troop 10249
7:15 Chordsmen
MAY 2015
6
WED
5
TUES
3:45 Al-Anon
6-7 Troop 10249
6:30 CNHARC
7
THURS
6:30-9 Inter-Faith Prayer
Breakfast (St. Andre
Bessette Parish Hall)
6:00 Chancel Choir
7:30 Pemigewasset Choral
Society Spring Concert
14
6:00 Chancel Choir
5:00 FAMILY CRUISE
NIGHT
21
12 noon ADULT STUDY
5-6 Troop 10124
7-8:30 Troop 243
6:00 Chancel Choir
2
SAT
1
7-noon Outdoor Church
Clean-Up (bring a
friend and a rake!)
FRI
4:45 Troop 10578
9
10-12 Troop 12481
11-2 Baby Shower
3:30 Wedding
30
3:00 Wedding
9-10:30 Senior
Breakfast & Bingo
23
10-12 Troop 12481
16
8-12 Super Hero
Breakfast (GYC)
10-12 Troop 12481
9:00 Memorial
Service—Betty Persons
8
4:45 Troop 10578
15
4:45 Troop 10578
6:00 Ladies’ Night Out
22
FRIENDLY KITCHEN
4:45 Troop 10578
5-9 Chinese Cooking
Class
6:00 Wedding Rehearsal
28
29
11:30-1 2nd Graders Lunch 4:00 Wedding Rehearsal
Here
4:45 Troop 10578
27
10:30-12 Tai Chi
12 noon Adult Study
5-6 Troop 10124
7-8:30 Troop 243
20
10:30-12 Tai Chi
7-8:30 Troop 243
12 noon ADULT STUDY
5-6 Troop 10124
13
10:30-12 Tai Chi
10:30-12 Tai Chi
12 noon ADULT STUDY
5-6 Troop 10124
7-8:30 Troop 243
3:45 Al-Anon
6-7 Troop 10249
19
12
11
11:30-2:30 Senior Momen.
3:45 Al-Anon
4:15 Troop 10249
5:30 Membership
6-7 Troop 10249
6:30 Church Council
6:30 CNHARC Steering
7:15 Chordsmen
18
8:30-12 Senior Momen.
1:30-3:30 D.A.R.
4:15 Troop 10249
6:30 Rotary Board
7:00 Troop 243 Comm.
7:15 Chordsmen
25
26
11:30-2:30 Senior Momen 11:30-1 2nd Graders
Lunch Here
3:45 Al-Anon
6-7 Troop 10249
4:15 Troop 10249
7:15 Chordsmen