Jackson Community Church

Summit, Spirit, Sky: connect to community and creation!

earth day

Events and reflections on Earth Day: Monday, April 22.

By jacksonnhccPosted on Posted in Calendar, Home, Justice & Activism, OutreachTagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make. — Jane Goodall

Events to Celebrate Earth Day

From article in Conway Daily Sun written by Tom Eastman, link to full article: https://www.conwaydailysun.com/community/valley_voice/valley-voice-myriad-ways-to-celebrate-earth-day/article_cf846792-fdd7-11ee-90ba-8b5699265904.htm

  • 10am: Meet the Lorax, Book Reading and Earth Day-themed Storybook Trail at Believe in Books Literacy Foundation’s Theater in the Wood in Intervale. Meet-and-greet with the Lorax himself, with a reading of Dr. Seuss’ environmentally themed book of the same name. Families can also walk along the Earth Day-themed Storybook Trail at Theater in the Wood. For more, go to believeinbooks.org.
  • 10am: Earth Day Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup  with he Chocorua Lake Conservancy i. Join the annual  cleanup today along Route 16. Meet at the Grove by Chocorua Lake, near the Narrows Bridge at the end of Chocorua Lake Road close to Route 16. Participants are requested to register at chocorualake.org/events.
  • 9am-Noon: Trail Round-Up at Tin Mountain Conservation Center, meanwhile, is hosting aits Nature Learning Center on Bald Hill Road in Albany. Bring work gloves and a water bottle for the Earth Day cleanup while discovering some spring blooms, sounds, birds and frogs.
  • 10am-1pm: Earth Day Events at Settlers Green in North Conway, including a “Paint-A-Pot event” where they provide the paint, brushes, smocks and materials. Plus, everyone gets to take home an Earth Day Planting Kit made with biodegradable products, perfect for an indoor window sill flower garden. Limit 100, while supplies last They also invite you to make a $25 donation to The Nature Conservancy’s science-based work to promote biodiversity and mitigate climate change at their Green Hills Preserve here in the Mount Washington Valley. Donors receive a Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Backpack. Limit 100, while supplies last.
Earth Day — Jane Yolen
I am the Earth And the Earth is me.
Each blade of grass, Each honey tree,
Each bit of mud, And stick and stone
Is blood and muscle, Skin and bone.
And just as I Need every bit
Of me to make My body fit,
So Earth needs Grass and stone and tree
And things that grow here Naturally.
That’s why we Celebrate this day.
That’s why across The world we say:
As long as life, As dear, as free,
I am the Earth And the Earth is me.

Take the Mt Washington Valley Pledge with its ten principles (https://www.visitmwv.com/pledge)

  1. I pledge to plan ahead and be prepared. Research the places you plan to visit for its reservation and parking requirements. Check the weather forecast, and a map of the area you plan to explore. and be prepared to follow pandemic guidelines wherever you stay.
  2. I will treat others with kindness and respect. Respect each other, each other’s property, and the environment during your visit.
  3. I will trash my trash. Always carry-out, what you carry-in. Bring trash bags with you to pick up after yourself, and dispose of your waste appropriately. If you see trash left behind by someone else, go the extra mile, and pick up after them.
  4. I will keep the wildlife wild. Remember, when you’re out on the trail, you’re the one disrupting the animals, not the other way around! Notify NH Fish and Game and Maine Fish and Game when coming across sick or wounded animals. Don’t pursue wildlife or disturb nests, dens, and homes they have built.
  5. I will stick to the trails. Stay on marked trails to reduce your impact on nature. The land, and its vegetation may be protected, and can be harmed when you veer off-trail. Designated trails also work to separate public property from private property.
  6. I will take only pictures, and leave only footprints. Keep nature undisturbed. Leave what you find when it comes to plants, flowers, rocks, and trees when climbing or walking a trail. Don’t approach wildlife for any reason, (including getting that perfect selfie shot).
  7. When nature calls, I will respect nature. Be sure you know the appropriate ways to dispose of human waste when recreating in nature. Always go 200 feet off the trail and away from water sources, dig a proper 6-8 in hole as a makeshift bathroom, and use biodegradable toilet paper.
  8. I will camp responsibly. Minimize your impact on natural vegetation, and camp on durable surfaces in designated areas and campsites only. If you build a lean-to or a shelter, be sure to dismantle it before moving on.
  9. I will share the outdoors. Be considerate of others and mindful of the many reasons why someone may be accessing the outdoors. If you’re playing music, be mindful of the volume, and wear earbuds instead of using a speaker. Know your right of way on the trails, and in cross-walks, politely announce your presence to others and take responsibility for yourself.
  10. I will protect the waterways. Don’t throw your trash away in our lakes and rivers, or dump foreign liquids out into the water. Be sure to wash your boats before launching them in the valley’s lakes and rivers to protect them from foreign pest species, and don’t use lakes and streams as a bathroom.

Ideas for Other Ways to Observe Earth Care and Justice:

Of the Earth

The good man is the friend of all living things. —Gandhi

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together … all things connect. —Chief Seattle

Away, away, from men and towns, To the wild wood and the downs, — To the silent wilderness, Where the soul need not repress its music. —Percy Bysshe Shelley

The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations. —John Paul II

What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on. —Henry David Thoreau

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. —Margaret Mead

One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken. —Leo Tolstoy

Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty.  —John Ruskin

The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil … the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings. — Gerard Manley Hopkins

Walking in Beauty: Closing Prayer from the Navajo Way Blessing Ceremony
In beauty I walk
With beauty before me I walk
With beauty behind me I walk
With beauty above me I walk
With beauty around me I walk
It has become beauty again …
Today I will walk out, today everything negative will leave me
I will be as I was before, I will have a cool breeze over my body.
I will have a light body, I will be happy forever, nothing will hinder me.
I walk with beauty before me. I walk with beauty behind me.
I walk with beauty below me. I walk with beauty above me.
I walk with beauty around me. My words will be beautiful.
In beauty all day long may I walk.
Through the returning seasons, may I walk.
On the trail marked with pollen may I walk.
With dew about my feet, may I walk.
With beauty before me may I walk.
With beauty behind me may I walk.
With beauty below me may I walk.
With beauty above me may I walk.
With beauty all around me may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk.
My words will be beautiful…

This Week at JCC: Wed, April 18 – Sun, April 22

By jacksonnhccPosted on Posted in Calendar, HomeTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
 Pastoral Vacation Schedule: Rev Gail returns to NH on Wed, April 18 after visiting her family in Ohio and western Pennsylvania.
WED, April 18

  • TUNE UP (Fitness) with Laurie McAleer
    9am • Parish Hall, Jackson Community Church
    Free. Men and women join fitness trainer Laurie McAleer for a gentle, introductory fitness class for beginners. Wear comfortable clothing, sensible shoes, and bring a bottle of water. Also bring a ski pole and a small ball and hand weights. Customized to each person’s abilities.
  • COUNCIL MEETING
    7pm • JCC Library.
THURS, April 19
  • INTRODUCTORY YOG with Anjali Rose
    9am • Parish Hall, Jackson Community Church. Join instructor Anjali Rose for a gentle, introductory yoga class. Wear stretchy fitness clothing, bring a matt and a cushion/blanket if you have them. $10/class for 6 weeks. Scholarships available. This session runs through April 26.
  • YOGA & MEDITATION with Charlotte Doucette
    3:30pm • Parish Hall. $10/pp fee. (Scholarships available)
  • AA
    6-7pm • Church Library

SUN, April 22

  • INTERFAITH GATHERING
    8am • Gazebo. Bring your hot beverages. Dress warmly. Gather for readings and spiritual conversation.
  • CHOIR REHEARSAL 
    9am •  Jackson Community Church.
    Drop-in choir. Join us to practice and sing during the service.
  • WORSHIP SERVICE: Earth Day
    10:30am •  Jackson Community Church.
    Sermon: A Sense of Place.
    Presentation by Lauren Orsini about Starting Point. Guest musicians: Pianist Minnie Brown and choir director Jen Ouellette.
  • EARTH DAY WALK
    1pm •  Jackson Community Church.
    Inter-generational outdoor hike. Bring proper equipment; route to be announced. Allow 2-3 hours for this activity. Please RSVP to Rev Gail if interested!
  • Community Event:
    FUNERGY Earth Day Activities
    10am-1pm • North Conway Community Center, North Conway, NH

    SAVE the DATES

  • Women’s Group High Tea
    12:30pm • Wed, April 25
    Yankee Clipper Tea House
    Bridgton, ME
    Annual outing of women’s group to have high tea. Go early or stay later to shop or visit antique stores. Share rides.  Allow an hour if traveling separately; please arrive promptly.
    Everyone welcome, including friends. Please RSVP to Linda Hastings to reserve a spot since we have a group reservation.
    Yankee Clipper has a varied menu with something for everyone. Although there are many kinds of tea to choose from, they also have coffee, wine and lavender lemonade.

    Cyrano de Bergerac
    Film & Discussion
    Sun, April 29, 3-6pm

Join us for a showing of the film “Cyrano de Bergerac” at the Jackson Community Church. This event has been generously and enthusiastically supported by The Friends of the Whitney Community Center in Jackson and the Jackson Community Church. Visitors to the valley and everyone who lives in the Mount Washington Valley are cordially invited to attend. Refreshments will be available.

Following the film there will be commentary and discussion led by Anthony DeLuca, who holds a PhD in history from Stanford.  He has given numerous guest lectures and public lectures on European history, politics and culture and has published  books, articles, essays and reviews on these topics.

 

Spring Cleaning & Work Day
Saturday, April 28
9am-Noon

Come prepared to work inside or outside, depending on your preference. We’re organizing closets, cleaning windows and hard-to-reach areas, touching up spots inside and outside the church, changing lightbulbs, and sprucing up the church grounds. Wear old clothes, sensible shoes, and bring work gloves. We’ll add more info about any tools or equipment you should bring from home, such as buckets or rakes or brooms.

Continue reading “This Week at JCC: Wed, April 18 – Sun, April 22”

SPRING SCHEDULE for Youth & Families with Jackson Community Church

By jacksonnhccPosted on Posted in Calendar, Home, YouthTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spring youth and family schedule: Friday fun nights, service opportunities, Sunday morning activities and lessons, Sunday afternoon hikes, end-of-year Youth & Children Sunday plus summer camps for families and work camps/advocacy trips/retreats for high school youth.

APRIL

  • Sun, April 8 – 9am • Road to Emmaus activity & walk: Meet at church and wear outdoor clothing for a spring walk. Focus on people who met God on their walk and didn’t recognize their companion. How do we see and meet God in our world? Walk includes lessons on shared meals, communion, and breaking bread together. Also it’s Holy Humor Sunday … bring a joke to tell!
  • Sun, April 15 – 9am • Planting Activity with Lisa White at JCC. Preparation for Mother’s Day and anticipation of Earth Day. Meet at JCC for this activity.
  • Sun, April 22 — 10:30am • Worship
    service includes presentation by Lauren Orsini from Starting Point about being aware of domestic violence and ongoing initiatives for safety for local children and families
  • Sun, April 22 — 1pm • Afternoon Earth Day Hike – Intergenerational outdoor hike to be led by church youth. Bring proper equipment; route to be announced. Allow 2-3 hours for this activity.
  • Fri, April 27 — 5:30-7:30pm • Friday Fun Night
    Spring Fling with Pizza & Games at JCC.
  • Sat, April 28 — 9am-Noon • Spring Cleaning at JCC
    Come prepared to work inside or outside. We’re organizing closets, cleaning windows and hard-to-reach areas, touching up spots inside and outside the church, changing light bulbs, and sprucing up the church grounds. Wear old clothes, sensible shoes, and bring work gloves. We’ll add more info about any tools or equipment you should bring from home, such as buckets or rakes or brooms.
  • Sun, April 29 – 10:30am • Worship includes traditional Sunday School. Parents may attend worship and children will have interactive lesson during portion  of service.

Continue reading “SPRING SCHEDULE for Youth & Families with Jackson Community Church”

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