VILLAGE NEWSLETTER - Gilford Community Church€¦ · Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 12 * December 2015 * Page 2 I don’t remember if I ever actually sat down

www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org DECEMBER 2015 Issue 12

VILLAGE

NEWSLETTER

Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 12 December 2015 * Page 1

Friday, December 4 (5-7 pm)

Saturday, December 5 (9-1)

SANTA LAND: At the Youth Center:

Friday (5-7:30)

Saturday (10-12)

Set up for Christmas Fair is November 29th right

after Coffee Hour. Give an hour if you can!

If you ordered a wreath or swag from the Vietens,

they may be picked up at the church garage

during Fair hours. Poinsettias will be in the

fellowship Hall.

The first week in December—drop by the church

anytime to help display & price the merchandise.

Drop off baked goods by Friday afternoon, please.

A Gift Card Silent Auction is planned for the fair.

Please drop off gift cards for any amount to any

restaurant, shop, hair salon, store, etc.

Volunteers are needed Friday night for the White

Elephant & other areas—and on Saturday for the

White Elephant, fair breakdown and merchandise

loading at 1 pm.

Want to volunteer? Call Holly Vieten at 387-3105

or email [email protected]

of 2016, this is also the time to catch up with

the pledge you made to the church for 2015. If

you need to know how much you have paid on

that pledge and how much, if any, you owe,

call the office at 524-6057 and we will have

Nan Fay contact you.

Is Your 2015

Pledge Up to

Date?

As we prepare ourselves to

review and renew our church

pledges for the coming year

The Carter Mountain Brass Band

Presents

BRASS GOES POPS Christmas Concert

First United Methodist Church

December 5, 2015 7 p.m.

Admission $8.00

Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 12 * December 2015 * Page 2

I don’t remember if I ever actually sat down to make out a Christmas Wish List, but I

do know that for many years, I at least had a long list in my mind. Over the years, my lists included: Lincoln Logs, a high-handle bar bike, Hot Wheels, a catcher’s mitt,

fishing equipment, a ten-speed bicycle, tickets to a Detroit Piston’s game, and a Farrah Fawcett poster (I was given a Linda Ronstadt poster instead). What about you? What was on your list all those years ago?

How about this year – what do you want? It’s funny, but I actually can’t think of one thing I want (not to mention need!) – at least nothing that I would find under the

Christmas Tree. But if I had to make a list, this year’s list would include: I want to continue to grow old with my Cindie. I want my children to be happy, but I also want

life to challenge them in ways that help them to grow. I want my grandchildren to begin to discover how life has gifted them. I want them to grow up to be other-centered and to recognize the sacredness of life. I want my father to continue to

age gracefully and to be surrounded by people who love and appreciate him. I want Cindie’s brother, Jimmy, to fully recover from his stroke. I want to be more willing to

step outside my comfort zone. I better stop, before I get carried away. My favorite songwriter – guess who – has written a song that really captures all of this

so well and puts things in perfect perspective. The song begins with a long list of potential Christmas gifts one might find under the tree:

There could be a blue kazoo, a pair of ruby shoes, a silky new, fetching red kimono, a Pakistani rug, an Elvis Presley mug, or “The Very Best of Perry Como.” There could be a handsome blonde, a Harry Potter wand or little strips to help you quit snoring, an anti-aging cream, a healthy self-esteem waiting there for you on Christmas morning. Then again, in light of life’s uncertainties, you may not find a single one of these. But then the song makes a wonderful turn:

But guaranteed, underneath that tree will be a brand new day begun with the ones who love you, the turning earth and a great big shining sun, a big

old shining sun.

A new day, loved ones, a big shining sun. Not bad. After a few more wish list items,

the song concludes with these wondrous grateful words:

You still might be surprised, and even realize that you got everything you wanted when you see, underneath that tree, another brand new day begun; the ones who love you, the turning earth; and a great big shining sun; a big old shining sun; that giant fireball, the biggest ornament of all hung in the sky on Christmas Morning.

May we all be so blessed!

Michael

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


Carolyn Ames, Music Director/Organist

AJ Coppola, Choir Director

Scott Hodsdon, Director of Youth &

Family Programs


Rick Edson - Treasurer

email: [email protected]

Jane Karagianis—Financial Accountant


Dru Chatterton—Office Secretary


Church Office Hours: M-Th 9:00 to 2:00 pm

THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS


NEW PLEDGE ENVELOPES COMING

JANUARY 2016

No more little boxes!

Look for these lovely packets which will have

your name on the front, if you have pledged. The

packet will contain tear-off envelopes for each

month of the new year and a tab at the top of the

envelope which will remain in the booklet and

remind you of how much you gave on what

Sunday and to what !!

You can keep a running total as you do in your

checkbook!

We’re proud of this new look and convenience

and we will think you will be, too!

Music Notes

Carolyn Ames (Music Director/Organist)

AJ Coppola

(Choir Director)


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!

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

2 Twyla Rose Wixson,

Barbara Hauck, Joseph Shea,

William Stephenson

3 Carolyn Drake

4 Brenda Stowe

5 Morris Harrison

6 Adeline Wixson, Harry Woodley

7 Alexander Bailey, Britta Mueller

8 Carl Carder, Carol Howard, Phil Carter

10 Dick Peterson, Kathy Lacroix

11 Walter Flinn, Connie Russell

12 Peter Allen, Rick Hopper,

Sarah Cook, Zach & Anya Arenstam

13 Maxwell Sawyer

14 Andrew Pike

16 Ethan Roys

17 Chris Leggett, Penny Franciosi

18 Jill Clark, Nicholas Bailey, Brynn

Blackwelder, Nils Babcock

19 Kristie Greenlaw, Beth DeMeo

20 Jayne McAllister, Derek Tomlinson, Lee

Miller

21 Janet Haley

23 Hannah Wixson, Nick Arenstam,

Dianne Lauffer

25 Lori Erickson

26 Holly Vieten

27 Joseph Wernig, Kent Baron

28 Joan Stephenson

29 Paula Ellsworth, Elias Arvidson

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

06 Hans & Kathy Dahll 1980

16 Carroll & Sandra Stafford 1961

17 Opal & Mathew Roys 2000

22 Chet & Skye Devarney 2007

24 Barbara & Bob Daniell 1955

24 Tom & Jennifer Boucher

November was another great month for the Chancel

Choir. The words of our anthems have been added

to the Sunday bulletins, and we are trying out a new

choir microphone to enhance our sound. We would

like feedback from you, please!

The Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, soloists and other

musicians are preparing for the upcoming Christmas

season. It will be a busy musical month.

We are excited to welcome the Pemi Choral Society

to our sanctuary on Thursday, December 10th at

7:30. Their concert, “A Time for Celebration” fea-

tures several holiday classics and some new tunes

that are sure to get your toes tapping! The 100-

person choir features choir member Carol Gellert,

AJ Coppola and assistant conductor, Will Gunn.

Admission by donation.

We invite you to join us for our annual Christmas

Tree Lighting Service on Sunday, November 29th at

6:00 p.m.

On December 6th, several members of the choir

will join others in the Laconia Historical Society’s

presentation of “The Kiss”, a program of 1940’s

music (see page 6). We are also participating in this

year’s Gilford Village Candlelight Stroll on

December 12, starting with music in our sanctuary

from 5-5:30.

Lots of ways to enjoy the season!

Musically yours, AJ and Carolyn

Our Losses in November:

If anyone is interested in an infant/child CPR and general first aid class, scheduled

after the holidays, please contact Stacey Pate at 370-8248 or [email protected]

Dear Church Family,

I wish to extend my heartfelt

appreciation for the wonderful

meals you brought to me while my

hand was healing.

I especially enjoyed seeing and

visiting with old friends as well as meeting new

ones!

I never thought I would need this kind of help, but

it made all the difference in the world to me.

Thank you all so very much!

- Gerrie McKenna


The 30th annual Rev. Ray Wixson Memorial Gilford Senior

Citizen Dinner and holiday celebration will take place on Tuesday,

December 8th at 5:45 p.m. at Gilford Community Church.

This event is put on every year by the members of the Gilford

Rotary Club to thank the seniors of Gilford for their many

contributions to Gilford over the years.

There will be a traditional turkey dinner with all the “fixings” and entertainment by some of our

local talent. There is also a rumor that Santa himself may stop by!

Please leave a message with your name and phone number for Gilford Rotarian Carolyn Scatter-

good at 366-5503 to make your reservation. Please give the names of all the people in your

group.

Transportation is available if needed. So if you live in Gilford and are 62 or over you won’t

want to miss this.

(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

December: Mac and Cheese and Spaghetti and

Sauce.

For New Beginnings: (Please label these

donations “New Beginnings” and bring to

church): Women’s gloves, Children’s sneakers

sizes 2-6, Travel-sized shampoo & conditioner.

COFFEE HOUR

We are asking people to volunteer to bring baked

goods or fruit for any coffee hour on any Sunday

that is convenient for you. If you can do this,

contact Bea Snow at [email protected] or 832-

3195 and let her know what Sunday would be good

for you and what you can bring in. Any and all

baked goods and fruit needed!

Thank you so much for your efforts in keeping our

coffee hours alive and well and available every

Sunday!

The 4th Friday of

December is Christmas

Day.

An alternative Friday, (if

any) for the Friendly

Kitchen luncheon will be

announced in church.


DECEMBER EVENTS

December 4 CHRISTMAS FAIR 5-7

SANTA LAND at Youth Center 5-7:30

December 5 CHRISTMAS FAIR 9-1

SANTA LAND at Youth Center 10-12

December 5 7 p.m. The Carter Mountain Brass Band presents

BRASS GOES POPS at the First United Methodist Church in

Gilford. $8 per person

December 6 Following the Pageant Rehearsal: Youth Christmas Party at the Youth Center. Bring a

dish to share and a $5 Yankee Swap gift. There will be pizza!

December 6 3:00 p.m. “The Kiss” Former Trinity Methodist Church—Belvidere St. in Laconia

December 8 5:45 Rotary Senior Christmas Dinner (see page 5)

December 10 7:30 Pemiwegasset Choral Society Christmas Concert (admission by donation)

December 13 Children’s Christmas Pageant During Worship

December 19 LIFELINE Must call 1-888-653-6450 to register for this and to receive discount.

December 19 5-6:30 Senior Dinner and Bingo for Village Knolls Residents

December 20 Birthday Party for Jesus, following Children’s Time

December 24 Christmas Eve Services at 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm

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This past August 15, 2015, was the 70th anniversary of the end of World

War ll. Marking this significant event, the Laconia Historical and

Museum Society is sponsoring a festive program of 1940’s music, skits,

and narration on Sunday afternoon, December 6th at 3 pm at the former

Trinity Methodist Church on 20 Belvidere Street in Lakeport.

Entitled “The Kiss”, this event highlights the iconic kiss in Times Square

on VJ Day and focuses on what the home front in Laconia and Gilford

was like in the war years. The program is developed and directed by Judy

Buswell, who sings in our choir. There are also 7 members from our

choir in the 35-member cast and Carolyn Ames is the accompanist! Solo-

ists include Cindie Graham, Tamara McGonagle, Ginny Barunas and

Carol Gellert, all from our choir.

The event ends with the cast and the audience singing 1940’s holiday pop

songs and Christmas carols.

Admission is by donation at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Laconia

Historical and Museum Society.

Ham will be provided by GCC

Place the following items in a small round plastic laundry basket

Note: The above listed sizes are for reference only. Ounce sizes may vary per product

purchased. Shopping store brand labels are 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, December 13, 2015.

Contact Jessica Fleck with any questions: [email protected] or 728-5671

CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKETS


1 5lb Bag of Potatoes

1 Jar Pork Gravy

2 Cans Yams

2 Cans Whole Kernel Corn

2 Cans Sliced Carrots

1 Can Cranberry Sauce

1 Jar Applesauce

2 Boxes Instant Pudding Mix—Chocolate or Vanilla

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

1 15oz Can Sliced Pineapple

1 64oz Apple or Cranberry Juice

mailto:[email protected]

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 20th.

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)

______________________________________


______________________________________


______________________________________

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

form. Make your check payable to the Gilford Community Church and please indicate that it is

for poinsettias. Thank you for your gift!

DEADLINE TO ORDER: December 15th

Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 * November 2015 * Page 9

Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 11 * November 2015 * Page 9

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, Orogresso, Betty Crock-

er, 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 earn-

ing plans.

Thank you, Nan Fay, for coordinating this outreach for the church!

LIFE LINE

SCREENING TO BE OFFERED AT

GILFORD YOUTH CENTER

on Saturday, December 19, 2015

You must register for this event (phone number below)

The Gilford Youth Center is pleased to offer a preventative health event. Life Line Screening, a leading

provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-invasive and

painless health screenings on December 19, 2015. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential

health problems related to: blocked arteries which are a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneu-

rysms which can lead to a ruptured aortia; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predic-

tor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a

bone density screening, for men and women, to assess the risk of osteoporosis.

Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149

($139 with our church member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order

to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call

1-888-653-6450 or www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

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Youth News December 2015

ADecember 4, 5-7:30

December 5, 10-12

We are always in need of volunteers for this

event.

Please contact Scott if you would like to

help.

Christmas Pageant

December 13th

We are excited to announce that this year’s

pageant will be held on December 13th, during

the service.

This year, two youth members, Mackenzie and

Ethan Roys, have written an original and

creative script.

Birthday Party for Jesus!

Sunday, December 20th

Following Children’s Time

Cookie Creations! Sunday, November 29th Following the Service

(After Pageant Rehearsal)

Join us after the service to bake cookies! Kids

will be able to create and decorate cookies for the

GYC’s Santa Land (cookie walk). Kids will also

be able to make some to bring home with them.

Parents are welcome to attend as well.

Senior Dinner and Bingo

Saturday, December 19 5-6:30pm

This will be a “Dinner & Bingo” for the

residents of the Village Knolls, rather than

our usual Breakfast & Bingo. We will meet

at 4pm.

Youth Christmas Party

When: Sunday, December 6 (following Pageant

rehearsal)

Where: Gilford Youth Center

What to bring: bring a dish to share…Scott will

bring pizza!!

Bring a $5 gift for our annual “Yankee Swap”

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1

2 No Adult Study

3 6:00 Chancel Choir

4 5-7 CHRISTMAS FAIR 5-7:30 Santa Land at the Youth Center

5 9-1 CHRISTMAS FAIR 10-12 Santa Land at the Youth Center

6 10:00 Worship and Communion Food Collection Sun-day 11:15 Diaconate Mtg Pageant rehearsal following worship. Youth Christmas Party at GYC following rehearsal. (bring dish to share; $5 Yankee Swap; Pizza provided)

7 6:00 Silver Hawks Football Banquet 6:30 CNHARC Steering Comm. 7:15 Chordsmen

8 5:45 Rotary Senior Christmas Dinner

9 12 :00 Adult Study 6:30 Cubs 243 7-8:30 Troop 243

10

6:00 Chancel Choir 7:30 Pemi Christmas Concert (admission by donation)

11 4:00 CNHARC Christmas Potluck 6-7:30 Troop 10249

12 9:00 Baptism 10:00 Baptism Pageant Dress Rehearsal (time TBA)

13 9:40 Hymn Sing 10:00 Worship (Children’s Pageant)

14

8:30-2:30 Senior

Momentum

5:30 Membership

6:30 Church

Council

7:15 Chordsmen

15

16 12:00 Adult Study 6:30 Cubs 243 7-8:30 Troop 243

17

6:00 Chancel Choir

18

4:45-6 Troop 10578 6-7:30 Troop 10249

19 10-12 Troop 12481 LIFELINE at the Youth Center 5-6:30 Senior Dinner and Bingo

20 10:00 Worship Birthday Party for Jesus following Chil-dren’s Time

21 8:30-12 Senior Momentum 7:00 Cubs 243 7:00 Troop 243 7:15 Chordsmen

22 6 –8 Chancel Choir

23 12:00 Adult Study 6:30 Cubs 243 7-8:30 Troop 243

24 Christmas Eve Services: 6:00 and 11:00

25 CHRISTMAS DAY

26 4:00 Wedding Rehearsal

27 10:00 Worship 11:15 Outreach 2:00 Wedding

28 11:30-2:30 Senior Momentum 7:15 Chordsmen

29

30 No Adult Study 6:30 Cubs 243 7:00 Scouts 243

31

DECEMBER 2015

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VILLAGE NEWSLETTER - Gilford Community Church€¦ · Village Newsletter * Gilford Community Church * Issue 12 * December 2015 * Page 2 I don’t remember if I ever actually sat down