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This Week: MON, April 8 – SUN, April 14

THIS WEEK
at Jackson Community Church and Around Town

MON, April 8

  • BEREAVEMENT PRESENTATION
    4pm • Lesley University, Cambridge MA
    Rev Gail served as guest presenter for class in social work on the topic of bereavement.
  • SCOUT PACK 321
    6pm • Jackson Community Church
    Den meeting at church to work on ‘pew holders’ for sanctuary.

TUE, April 9

  • PASTORAL CARE in SOUTHERN NH & MA
    All Day • Rev Gail will be visiting people in hospital and rehab in Southern NH and MA.

WED, April 10

  • PASTORAL CARE in SOUTHERN NH & MA
    All Day • Rev Gail will be visiting people in hospital and rehab in Southern NH and MA.

THURS, April 11

  • BLISS YOGA with Anjali Rose
    9am • First Floor, Parish House / Jackson Community Church. Beginning stretch, flow and align yoga; safe for new practitioners. Weather dependent; if schools are delayed or closed, the class will be cancelled.
  • Community Event: GREENING the GRANITE STATE
    12pm • Tin Mountain Conservation Center
    Cynthia Nelson and Kathy Black of NH DES will present on several of the State’s programs designed to help improve the energy efficiency and resource waste. The NH Pollution Prevention Program is a free, confidential, non-enforcement, pollution prevention and compliance assistance program available to all NH businesses, institutions, municipalities and agencies. The presenters will also discuss the NH Green Hospitality Program, which is designed to recognize and promote businesses doing their part to reduce energy use, conserve water and reduce waste. The Green Hospitality Program is free and open to all restaurants and lodging facilities in New Hampshire.
  • Community Event: CRAIG ALTOBELLO ARTIST RECEPTION
    5pm • Tin Mountain Conservation Center
    Come meet the artist, see his work and mingle with friends! Stay for the great birding program that follows.
  • Community Event: BIRDS from TRINIDAD and TOBAGO
    7pm • Tin Mountain Conservation Center
    Join Charlie Nims on a pictorial exploration of the birds of Trinidad& Tobago from his recent travels.   
  • AA
    6:30pm • Second Floor, Church. 

FRI, April 12

  • PASTORAL CARE VISITS
    Morning  •  Rev Gail will be making pre-arranged visits.

SAT, April 13

  • Community & Church Event: UKRAINIAN EGG WORKSHOP
    9am • Whitney Community Center
    $3/pp ages 15+ / Co-sponsored with the Jackson Community Church
    Decorate your own holiday egg in the distinctive Ukrainian pysanka style, using wax-resist method on real egg. Melt beeswax over a candle, draw lines of way on a raw egg with a traditional waxing tool, dip the egg in dye, and watch your pattern appear. The finished eggs will be vernished and hollowed, creating a permanent keepsake. Space is limited please register at: whitneycommunitycenter@gmail.com.
  • Community Event: DUCKS & DONUTS
    8:30am-11am • At Meet at the parking lot at Fryeburg Academy Field House
    The streams and ponds are opening up and ducks are returning.  We’ll explore the old course of the Saco River and other open water in search of wood ducks, hooded mergansers, common golden eyes, and other early migrants.  Bring binoculars and we’ll bring the doughnuts!  Call 603-447-6991 for reservations. 

SUN, April 14: PALM SUNDAY

  • INTERFAITH GATHERING @ OLD LIBRARY
    8am • Old Library. Hot beverages available. Come for poetry, literature, conversation and prayer.
  • YOUTH & CHILDREN PROGRAM
    9am • Jackson Community Church
    Games and faith formation followed by intergenerational choir practice. Prep for singing and participating in worship at 10:30am.
  • CHOIR REHEARSAL
    9am • Jackson Community Church
    Ellen Schwindt works with church choir. Drop-ins welcome.
  • WORSHIP: PALM SUNDAY
    10:30am •  Jackson Community Church with Palm Procession by children & families.
    * Story: Rev Gail
    * Accompanist: Alan Labrie
    * Choir: directed by Ellen Schwindt
    * Baptism & New Family Celebration
  • Community Event: POETRY WORKSHOP
    2pm • Jackson Public Library
    Learn about poetic forms, and write your own poetry with professional poet, Sarah Audsley.
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Spring Youth & Children’s Programming

Quick overview of upcoming programming: 

  • Sun, Mar 31: 9am – Youth & Children Scavenger Hunt and Faith Formation followed by Intergenerational Choir Practice
  • Sun, Apr 7: 10:30am –  ‘Sunday School’ during worship with Lisa White as lead teacher
  • Sun, Apr 14 (Palm Sunday): 9am – Youth & Children Faith Formation Games followed by Intergenerational Choir Practice – stay for 10:30am worship with baptism (kids involved) plus choir performs in church
  • Sun, Apr 21 (Easter): 6am – Sunrise Service & 10:30am – Worship & Intergenerational choir performs during worship & 11:45am Easter Egg hunt after church
  • Sun, Apr 28: 9am – Youth & Children Games & Faith Formation
  • Sun, May 5: 10:30am ‘Sunday School’ during worship with Lisa White as lead teacher
  • Sun, May 12: 9am – Youth & Children Games & Faith Formation / 10:30am – Mother’s Day Worship (special speaker)
  • Sun, May 19: 9am – Youth & Children Games & Faith Formation9) 
  • Sun, May 26: 9am – Youth & Children Games & Faith Formation10) 
  • Sun, June 2: 10:30am – ‘Children & Youth Sunday’  – Intergenerational Choir, music by families/students (please let us know if you’d like to offer music), youth speaker

Family Weekend at Horton Center: June 21-23 (Fri-Sun)
Rev Gail & Chris Doktor serving as deans for this family camp! Registration info!

Peace & Empowerment Camp Summer Camp: June 24-28  at Jackson Community Church for grades K-6 plus counselor-in-training opportunities for students 7th grade and up. Lunch will be provided! We will run it one week, and possibly once more at the end of the summer, depending on response/registration. We’re collaborating with other local faith communities to welcome additional students. This camp is open to the community. We’ll work on concepts of Peace drawn from several cultures, based on curriculum from that Rev Gail is using as a dean this summer at Horton Center’s outdoor mountain top camp, including Aloha, Ubuntu, Haiwa, Si Se Puedo. Plus lessons in Empowerment. Spiritual learning will be part of the curriculum. Program also includes live music, games, arts, contemplative practices, outdoor excursions (weather permitting), reflections, and goal-setting.

Also: Bushee-Thorne Scholarships available for summer camps: application due ASAP. Return the scholarship application to me or the church email (jcchurch@jacksoncommunitychurch.org). 

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Lenten Resources for Families

Follow these links to PDFs, JPGs, or Word documents for calendars, devotionals and activity guides that you can use to count down the days of Lent. In particular, the “praying in color” ones also come with some directions to make this a contemplative, prayerful journal of daily experiences and emotions throughout Lent.

Day-by-Day activity/action calendar for Lent

Guides for things to do during Lent:

Devotional Lenten Resources
(to protect copyrighted materials, please contact Rev Gail — 978.273.0308 — if you want the materials below)

  • Reflections on Prayer – An Illustrated Lent
  • Seven Last Words – An Illustrated Holy Week/Good Friday Coloring Pages
  • Seven Last Words Devotional – An Illustrated Holy Week/Good Friday Activity
  • Stations of the Cross – An Illustrated Good Friday Activity
  • Stations of the Cross Devotional – An Illustrated Good Friday Activity

Praying in Color 2019 Lenten calendars:

Other Lenten Calendars which can be filled in day-by-day:

Quick Resources to Acquire for Family:These Stones Will Shout (downloadable on Amazon as Kindle Book onto phones for 99cents) daily devotional guide

Pauses for Lent: 40 Words for 40 Days (Kindle version for immediate download) or book version

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40 Ideas for Keeping Lent Holy

By Nadia Bolz-Weber 2-27-2012

  • Day 1: Pray for your enemies
  • Day 2: Walk, carpool, bike or bus it.
  • Day 3: Don’t turn on the car radio
  • Day 4: Give $20 to a non-profit of your choosing
  • (Sunday)
  • Day 5: Take 5 minutes of silence at noon
  • Day 6: Look out the window until you find something of beauty you had not noticed before
  • Day 7: Give 5 items of clothing to Goodwill
  • Day 8: No bitching day
  • Day 9: Do someone else’s chore
  • Day 10: Buy a few $5 fast food gift cards to give to homeless people you encounter
  • (Sunday)
  • Day 11: Call an old friend
  • Day 12: Pray the Paper (pray for people and situations in today’s news)
  • Day 13: Read Psalm 139
  • Day 14: Pay a few sincere compliments
  • Day 15: Bring your own mug
  • Day 16: Educate yourself about human trafficking 
  • (Sunday)
  • Day 17: Forgive someone
  • Day 18: Internet diet
  • Day 19: Change one light in your house to a compact florescent
  • Day 20: Check out morning and evening prayer at The Daily Office.
  • Day 21: Ask for help
  • Day 22: Tell someone what you are grateful for
  • (Sunday)
  • Day 23: Introduce yourself to a neighbor
  • Day 24: Read Psalm 121
  • Day 25: Bake a cake
  • Day 26: No shopping day
  • Day 27: Light a virtual candle 
  • Day 28: Light an actual candle
  • (Sunday)
  • Day 29: Write a thank you note to your favorite teacher
  • Day 30: Invest in canvas shopping bags
  • Day 31: Use Freecycle
  • Day 32: Donate art supplies to your local elementary school
  • Day 33: Read John 8:1-11 
  • Day 34: Worship at a friend’s mosque, synogogue or church and look for the beauty
  • (Sunday)
  • Day 35: Confess a secret
  • Day 36: No sugar day – where else is there sweetness in your life?
  • Day 37: Give $20 to a local non-profit
  • Day 38: Educate yourself about a saint
  • Day 39: Pray for peace
  • Day 40: Pray for your enemies (you probably have new ones by now) then decide which of these exercises you’ll keep for good
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SERVICE & TRAINING

WAY STATION WORK DAY
9am – 4pm • Nativity Lutheran Church, No COnway, NH
Come help paint and prep more rooms at Nativity Lutheran Church to welcome guests of the Way Station, a day resource center to provide essential services to the valley’s homeless and housing insecure population, including showers, laundry, internet access, post office box, lockers and more. Wear old clothing. Supplies and paint will be provided!

UPCOMING CLASSES
Relevant to Way Station Community Service
UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS
and ITS IMPACTS on CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Wed, Feb 27 from 6:30-8:30pm
SAU#9 / Conway School District
Professional Development Center @ Kennett Middle School
176 Main Street, Conway, NH 03818 
Registration Link. Participants in this session will: Understand the general state of homelessness in NH. Understand how to identify a homeless child and/or family. Understand the relationship between homelessness and trauma in children. Understand the physical and emotional impacts of homelessness, particularly on children. Understand the reactions and symptoms of trauma and homelessness in children. Understand best practices in serving children who experience homelessness. Training Methods: Training will incorporate a variety of teaching techniques including didactic presentation, small group discussions / brainstorms, videos, and opportunity for questions, dialogue and discussion. 
NH LISTENS Advanced Facilitator Training
Fri, Mar 15 from 10am-4pm
Conway Library, Conway, NH Registration Link. $50 fee. Fee waived for students and those with financial need. Many of us are trained to remain “neutral” as facilitators. However, that doesn’t mean we are passive. This workshop enhances confidence to remain neutral, productively address issues, encourage and move conversation in a constructive manner.
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THIS WEEKEND at Jackson Community Church and Around Town FRI, Dec 28 – MON, Dec 31

  • Community Event: CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG
    5-6:30pm • Episcopal Church, North Conway. Join Ellen Schwindt and her students for Christmas carol sing-a-long!
  • Community Event: SNOW MOONLIGHT SIP n PAINT
    6pm • Jackson Art Studio and Gallery. Led by Lori Stearns
    Fun for the absolute beginner to the seasoned artist! Spend an evening of creativity as you twist open your favorite bottle of wine (BYOB for those 21 and over) and uncork your creativity. $45 all supplies included. Registration required.

SAT, Dec 29

  • Community Event: SNOWSHOE YOGA
    3pm • Jackson XC Ski Touring Headquarters
    Come join us for an exhilarating combination of fresh air, beautiful views and healthy movement. No experience necessary. $20/pp. Reservations: 603-383-9355.(Info on more ski clinics, snowshoe tours and lessons at www.jacksonxc.org.)

SUN,  Dec 30: Christmas 1

  • INTERFAITH GATHERING @ OLD LIBRARY
    8am • Old Library. Hot beverages available. Come for poetry, literature, conversation and prayer.
  • YOUTH & CHILDREN
    9am • Church. Christmas craft projects.
  • WORSHIP
    10:30am •  Jackson Community Church.
    • Advent wreath-lighting by family.
    • Accompanist: Alan Labrie
    • Special Music: Roberts Family & Sue Titus Reid
  • Community Event: SNOWSHOE YOGA
    3pm • Jackson XC Ski Touring Headquarters
    Come join us for an exhilarating combination of fresh air, beautiful views and healthy movement. No experience necessary. $20/pp. Reservations: 603-383-9355. (Info on more ski clinics, snowshoe tours and lessons at www.jacksonxc.org.)

MON, Dec 31: New Year’s Eve

  • Community Event: SNOWSHOE YOGA
    3pm • Jackson XC Ski Touring Headquarters
    Come join us for an exhilarating combination of fresh air, beautiful views and healthy movement. No experience necessary. $20/pp. Reservations: 603-383-9355
    (Info on more ski clinics, snowshoe tours and lessons at www.jacksonxc.org.)
  • FIREWORKS
    9:30pm • Schouler Park, No Conway
    Ring in the new year with fireworks in Schouler Park in downtown North Conway.
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Christmas at Jackson Community Church

MON, Dec 24: CHRISTMAS EVE

  • CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: : Lessons, Carols & Candlelight.
    5pm • Jackson Community Church
    • Lighting of the Advent candles including the Christ candle
    • Christmas message
    • Scripture readings
    • Christmas carols
    • Special music including piano, harp, guitar and vocal solos.
    • Service ends as candles are lit and uplifted by the whole congregation.
  • CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: : Lessons, Carols & Candlelight.
    10pm • Jackson Community Church
    • Lighting of the Advent candles including the Christ candle
    • Christmas message
    • Scripture readings
    • Christmas carols
    • Special music including organ, piano, and vocal solo.
    • Service ends as candles are lit and uplifted by the whole congregation.

TUE, Dec 25: CHRISTMAS DAY

  • CHRISTMAS MORNING: Pajamas, Stories & Bells
    10:30am • Jackson Community Church.
    Come to church in PJs to ring bells, sing songs, and hear a special Christmas story.
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THIS WEEK at Jackson Community Church and Around Town: TUE, Dec 18 – TUE, Dec 25

Ongoing: FRONT ENTRANCE RENOVATION
Tamarack Construction proceeds with installation this week.
TUE, Dec 18

  • CLERGY LUNCH
    12:30pm • Members of Clergy of the Eastern Slope gather. Rev Gail belongs to and attends this gathering.

WED, Dec 19

  • PASTOR’S HOURS
    7-9am • Glen Ledge Corner Store & Gas Station. Come by for hot beverage and conversation. Or make a date to go for a walk by calling/texting Rev Gail 978.273.0308 or emailing Rev Gail (gaildoktor@mac.com).
  • TUNE UP FITNESS with Laurie McAleer
    9am • Parish House, Jackson Community Church.Fitness class. Free; open. to public
  • PASTOR’S OFFICE HOURS
    Drop by to see Rev Gail. Or make a date to go for a walk by calling/texting Rev Gail 978.273.0308 or emailing Rev Gail (gaildoktor@mac.com).
  • Community Event: PEACE PROGRAM
    100th Anniversary of Armistice (Ending WWI)
    5-6pm • Old Red Library
    Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Armistice and the “War to End All Wars” as the First World War was known. Opportunity for people to bring in poems, songs, artwork, medals received, etc. Includes:
    • Musical performance of “Christmas in the Trenches” by Dexter Harding.
    • Poetry selections offered by Tony Deluca
    • Other contributions to this topic through poetry, literature and art.
  • COUNCIL MEETING
    7-8:30pm • Second Floor, Jackson Community Church
    Meeting of church officers, staff, and designated team leaders and at-large representatives to prepare 2019 budget, and to review and make administrative and mission-driven decisions for governance and life of church. This meeting is open to any who wish to attend.

THURS, Dec 20

  • INTRODUCTORY YOGA with Anjali Rose 
    9am • Parish House, Jackson Community Church Introductory yoga.
  • Community Event: JAMMY TIME
    10:30-11am • Jackson Public Library
    Jammy storytime for toddlers and preschoolers at the library.
  • AA
    6:30pm • Second Floor, Church.
  • BLUE CHRISTMAS
    7pm • Jackson Community Church
    Intimate gathering for those living with Grief & Loss during the holidays.

FRI, Dec  21

  • PASTOR’S HOURS
    7-9am • JTown Deli. Come by for hot beverage and conversation. Or make a date to go for a walk by calling/texting Rev Gail 978.273.0308 or emailing Rev Gail (gaildoktor@mac.com)
  • Community Event: SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
    4:30pm -6pm @ Jackson Public Library
    • Guided snowshoe tours with Tin Mountain Naturalist
    • Indoor crafts and stories with Meredith
    • Reflections on darkness and light during this longest night with Gail Doktor
    • Sing-a-long with Chief Chris Perley and his banjo
    • The event is put on in partnership with Tin Mountain Conservation Center, Friends of the Whitney Center, Jackson Public Library, Jackson Community Church, Jackson Grammar School, and the Jackson Police Department.

SUN,  Dec 23: Advent 4 – Love

  • INTERFAITH GATHERING @ OLD LIBRARY
    8am • Old Library. Hot beverages available. Come for poetry, literature, conversation and prayer.
  • ADVENT WORKSHOP
    9am • Youth and children. Please RSVP if planning to attend this activity.
  • CHOIR REHEARSAL
    9am • Drop-in choir directed by Ellen Schwindt. All welcome to participate; come at 9am to warm up and learn the song.
  • WORSHIP
    10:30am •  Jackson Community Church.
    • Advent wreath-lighting by family.
    • Accompanist: Alan Labrie
    • Choir director: Ellen Schwindt
    • Special Music: Roberts Family
  • XC Passholder Event: JACKSON XC SKI TOURING POTLUCK DINNER
    5p-7pm • Jackson XC Headquarters
    Season passholders are invited to a potluck dinner: bring your favorite dish to share and prepare to be amazed by your fellow skiers’ culinary skills … and conversation. RSVP: 603-383-9355.

MON, Dec 24: CHRISTMAS EVE

  • CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: : Lessons, Carols & Candlelight.
    5pm • Jackson Community Church
    • Lighting of the Advent candles including the Christ candle
    • Christmas message
    • Scripture readings
    • Christmas carols
    • Special music including piano, harp and guitar and vocal solo.
    • Service ends as candles are lit and uplifted by the whole congregation.
  • CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: : Lessons, Carols & Candlelight.
    10pm • Jackson Community Church
    • Lighting of the Advent candles including the Christ candle
    • Christmas message
    • Scripture readings
    • Christmas carols
    • Special music including organ, piano, and vocal solo.
    • Service ends as candles are lit and uplifted by the whole congregation.

TUE, Dec 25: CHRISTMAS DAY

  • CHRISTMAS MORNING: Pajamas, Stories & Bells
    10:30am • Jackson Community Church.
    Come to church in PJs to ring bells, sing songs, and hear a special Christmas story.