Jackson Community Church

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John 15

WEEK of JOY – Daily Advent Devotional – Day 15

By jacksonnhccPosted on Posted in Advent & Christmas, Home, Weekly MeditationsTagged , ,

Link to this week’s Advent devotional: joy.

WEEK of JOY

Sun, Dec 13 – DAY 15

Joy becomes the focus of our candle-lighting this week. How does the light of joy shine in your life?

            One question we often ask is the distinction between joy and happiness. Happiness is often described as an emotional state of being that depends on external and goal-oriented circumstances to find fulfillment: it is defined by outward connections, accomplishments, and experiences. Joy, on the other hand, arises from an internal and spiritual wellspring. Happiness might be considered the arrival at a desired destination, while joy can take place at any time, by savoring the journey along the way, regardless of what’s happening.

            So what spiritual practices support joy? As we have reflected in the past, find a way to re-frame a day through gratitude and appreciation is an excellent starting point. Advent is a wonderful time to explore this question and find resources that can build this capacity within you.
—  Rev Gail

I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. — John 15:11

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. ― Rumi

… joy came from deeply held spiritual beliefs but it also came from a place even beyond that. Joy comes when you make peace with who you are, where you are, why you are, and who you are not with. When you need nothing more than your truth and the love of a good God to bring peace … — Sandra Brown

This Week @ JCC: Mon, April 23 – Sun, April 29

By jacksonnhccPosted on Posted in Adult, Home, Worship, YouthTagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

 MON, April 23

  • Community Event:
    EMERGENCY SHELTER MEETING
    6:30pm • Ministry Center of Lutheran Church of the Nativity, North Conway. Startup meeting for a group that would etch out one corner of the larger homelessness problem and focus on an emergency shelter  that would operate periodically as the situation requires. If interested in attending as a liaison from JCC, please RSVP to Rev Gail.

WED, April 25

  • PASTOR’S HOURS
    7-9am • J-Town Deli
  • 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.
  • WOMEN’S GROUP HIGH TEA
    12:30pm • 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.

THURS, April 26

  • INTRODUCTORY YOGA 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 19.
  • YOGA & MEDITATION with Charlotte Doucette
    3:30pm • Parish Hall. $10/pp fee. (Scholarships available)
  • AA
    6-7pm • Church Library

FRI, April 27

SAT, April 28

  • SPRING CLEANUP DAY
    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. If possible, bring sponges, rags, buckets, rakes or brooms.

SUN, April 29

  • 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
    10:30am •  Jackson Community Church.
    Sermon: Vine & Fruit
    Sunday School will be available.
  • CYRANO De BERGERAC FILM & DISCUSSION
    3-6pm • Parish Hall, Jackson Community Church
    Join us for a showing of the film “Cyrano de Bergerac” at the Jackson Community Church. Following the film there will be commentary and discussion led by Anthony DeLuca, who holds a PhD in history from Stanford.

MONDAY, April 30

  • DEACONS MEETING
    4pm • JCC Council Room (library), Second Floor
    Meeting of deacons to plan worship and community support issues.
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