THIS WEEK at Jackson Community Church and Around Town WED, Jan 16 – SUN, Jan 20
Note: PASTORAL CARE will be available from Gerry Tilton this week during Rev Gail Pomeroy Doktor’s absence due to a family medical emergency. Gerry Tilton can be reached by email (forestgt22@aol.com) or by phone 603.236.6657. She lives in nearby Bartlett and serves on the pastoral staff of First Congregational Church in North Conway, NH.
WED, Jan 16
- TUNE UP FITNESS with Laurie McAleer
9:30am • Parish House.Fitness class. Free; open to public. Weather dependent; if schools close, the class will be cancelled. - DE-GREENING of CHURCH
10:30am-Noon • Church Sanctuary
Christmas decorations will be taken down. This may take more than one day to accomplish, but volunteers would be welcome to come help.
THURS, Jan 17
- FLOW & ALIGN YOGA with Anjali Rose
9am • First Floor, Parish House / Jackson Community Church. Beginning stretch, flow and align yoga; safe for new practitioners. - Community Event: STORY TIME
10:30am • Jackson Public Library - AA
6:30pm • Second Floor, Church.
FRI, Jan 18
- Private Event: AVALANCHE CLASS
All Day • Second Floor, Jackson Community Church
Private class providing instruction to outdoor athletes and emergency responder for avalanche preparedness and response. - Community Event: BEFORE THERE WERE MIRRORS Concert
7:30pm • St Andrews-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Tamworth, NH
A musical evening of story and song with Ellen Schwindt, Jed Wilson and Mary Edes. Suggested donation at the door: $10 and a hand-held mirror (some will be available at the door).
SAT, Jan 19
- Community Event: WEATHERIZING MT WASHINGTON VALLEY
9:30am • Tin Mountain Conservation Center- Check your eligibility for matching funds from your utility company (up to $4,000!) at NHSaves.com
- Sign up for a $100 audit with one of 3 contractors by March 15th
- sign up for an audit at the event OR
- Use the contact information provided on Tin Mountain’s website to sign up after the kick-off event
- Decide on any necessary work with the auditor. Sign up by May 31st for a chance to win a great raffle prize!
- Martin Luther King Day of Service: PAINTING the WAY STATION!
9am – 4pm • Admin Building of Nativity Lutheran Church
Meet and work at the Jackson Community Church will have a team of volunteers helping with this project: wear your paint clothes and help brighten up the kitchen and lounge areas in the first floor of the administrative building on the Nativity Lutheran Church, which will be home to the Way Station. Paint supplies will be provided; bring your energy and enthusiasm! Once open, this day resource center will meet basic needs for homeless teens, families and adults in the Mt Washington Valley: laundry, showers, internet access, post office box, social and emotional support, connection to nearby social services. - Martin Luther King Weekend Activity: PEOPLE’S MARCH
Theme: Improve Our World!
1-3pm • Gathering starts at covered bridge. Walk to Jackson Grammar School.
SUN, Jan 20
- INTERFAITH GATHERING @ OLD LIBRARY
8am • Old Library. Hot beverages available. Come for poetry, literature, conversation and prayer. - CHOIR PRACTICE
As long as weather permits Ellen Schwindt’s travel, choir practice will take place. - WORSHIP
10:30am • Jackson Community Church.- Message: Gerry Tilton
- Accompanist: Alan Labrie
- Choir director: Ellen Schwindt
- Martin Luther King Weekend
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION 7-9 pm • Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Eastern Slopes, Tamworth, NH Our featured speaker, Dr. Donna San Antonio, will address the topic “Becoming a White Ally: Stories of Mentoring Toward Social Justice” using personal reflection as a springboard for considering the inter-sectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, and social class. Also included in the program will be music by Peg Loughran, Shana Aisenberg and others. Storyteller (and World Fellowship Co-Director) Andy Davis will offer a story. A guilt-free potluck will follow. Note: This program is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes and The World Fellowship Center. For more information, please call Andy Davis at (603)452-4446. More information.
This Week: Mar 25-Apr 1 — Holy Week Events & Other Activities
SUN, MAR 25: Palm Sunday
- INTERFAITH GATHERING
8am • Madeline’s Deli, Jackson, NH
Reflection & prayer using literature, sacred texts, personal sharing. - ADULT CHOIR PRACTICE
9am • Jackson Community Church - PALM PROCESSION
9:45am • Jackson Community Church - WORSHIP: Palm Sunday
10:30am • Jackson Community Church - Community Event: Bliss Yoga
3pm • Be Well Studios New Hampshire, 3358 White Mountain Hwy Unit 3, North Conway, NH
Yoga with Anjali Rose, $20/pp
MON, MAR 26
- REIKI WORKSHOP (closed class, April class has openings: contact Rev Gail if interested)
6pm • Classroom/Betty Whitney Library, Second Floor of JCC
TUE, MAR 27
- Community Event:
HOMELESSNESS COALITION in Tamworth, NH
10am-Noon • TriCounty Cap, Sununu Room, Tamworth, NH
Overview of issues and initiatives to address homelessness and housing needs in Carroll County/Mt Washington Valley. Rev Gail will attend this meeting along with other valley clergy, and representatives of local agencies and nonprofits, focusing on this issue. Interested individuals are welcome to attend to learn more.
WED, MAR 28
- PASTOR’s DROP-IN
7-9am • JTown Deli.
Come for caffeine, cuisine, and conversation. - TUNE UP (Fitness) with LAURIE McALEER
9am • Parish Hall, Jackson Community Church.
Free. Join members of the women’s group and fitness trainer Laurie McAleer for a gentle, introductory fitness class for beginners. Wear comfortably clothing, sensible shoes, and bring a bottle of water. Bring a ski pole. Men and women both welcome to come try this class. Laurie will lead a fitness class that can be customized to each person’s abilities, and help improve overall wellbeing, as well as focusing on body areas that may need additional support and care. - WOMEN’S GROUP
10am-Noon • Parish Hall
Come for social time, refreshments, and to prepare eggs for Easter Egg hunt on April 1
THURS, MAR 29
- INTRODUCTORY YOGA with Anjali Rose
9am • Parish Hall, Jackson Community Church
Men and women invited to 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; payable at beginning of session. Scholarships available. This session runs through April 19. - YOGA & MEDITATION with Charlotte Doucette
3:30pm • Parish Hall. $10/pp fee. (Scholarships available) - MAUNDY THURSDAY OBSERVANCES: Bread & Blessings
5pm • Parish Hall of Jackson Community Church.
Gather with members and friends for dinner and worship. This evening is derived from events surrounding the ‘Last Supper’ and will include a meditation on bread and blessings. - AA
6-7pm • Church Library
THURS, Mar 29 – FRI, MAR 30: HOLY FRIDAY VIGIL
- VIGIL
6pm Thursday until 1pm Friday • Shifts held at home, although church is open 24/7 and people are welcome to hold vigil at the church. Individuals and families can sign up in one-hour shifts from 6pm Thursday until 3pm Friday, to pray, meditate and stay awake during the hours of Christ’s arrest, trial and crucifixion. This vigil will be held ‘by trust’ in people’s homes, or at church if they so choose, so that each person who takes a one-hour shift to keep vigil may do so in their own environs. Sign up at church on Palm Sunday.
FRI, MAR 30: HOLY FRIDAY
- WAY of the CROSS
1pm • Jackson Community Church
Come for journey through ‘stations of the cross.’ Walk the stations, or meditate with Stations coloring pages - HOLY FRIDAY SERVICE
6:30pm • Bartlett Congregational Church.
Ecumenical worship services organized by Clergy of the Eastern Slope and hosted at Bartlett Congregational Church.
SAT, MAR 30: HOLY SATURDAY
- Community Event:
HEALING SERVICE
1pm • Christ Episcopal Church, North Conway, NH
SUN, APR 1: EASTER
- SUNRISE SERVICE
6:30am • Gazebo by Jackson’s Historical Society. Gather outside for worship & song. Return to Jackson Community Church for hot beverages and breakfast. - EASTER SERVICE
10:30am • Jackson Community Church.
Easter worship with “flowering of the cross.” - EGG HUNT
Follows worship service • Jackson Community Church. Hunt for eggs on grounds of church. Hunt will take place outdoors if weather permits, inside if weather is inclement.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES for Youth & Families at Jackson Community Church
(See end of posting for summer intensives and international internships for youth & young adults. Fast-approaching deadlines [March 15, April, etc] for registration and applications or scholarships for some of these opportunities.)
THURSDAYS, Mar 15 & Mar 22
- Soup & Ski with Family & Friends
5pm • Parish Hall of Jackson Community Church. Gather with members and friends for soup supper.
5:30/6pm • Meet at church parking lot for evening XC ski. Optimal starting point to be determined. For those who able and interested, if weather permits, come on a ‘night ski’ on Jackson XC Center’s trails. Donations will be collected for Jackson Ski Touring Foundation. Bring your own head lamps, ski equipment, layers, and be prepared for outdoor conditions. Ski at your own risk. Bring friends! Open to everyone. All ages welcome.
FRI, MAR 23
- Film Screening of “404 Not Found” & Soup Supper: Bowls for Homeless Teens in Mt Washington Valley
5-7pm • Gibson Senior Center, North Conway. In collaboration with Clergy of the Eastern Slope and First Church of North Conway’s Missions Team, screening the film “404 Not Found” that highlights the homeless youth in NH. Check out the film trailer @ 404notfoundfilm.com. Held in collaboration with Governor Sununu’s “Sleep Out”. This is a valley issue and will take a valley solution. -
“Sleep Out” (Stay-Up-Late or Sleep Over at Church)
8pm, Mar 23 – 9am, Mar 24 • Jackson Community Church
For youth & chaperones. Stay late at church. Or spend the night. To be held in solidarity with Gov Sununu’s “Sleep Out” event to raise awareness about homelessness. We will stay up late at Jackson Community Church with games and worship, learn about homelessness in the valley, make civic engagement posters. If some people stay overnight, we will wake up to have breakfast together. RSVP and permission slips required.
WED, APR 4: MLK Remembrance Bell Ringing
- 6pm. • Front door of sanctuary, Jackson Community Church.
Help ring the bell 39 times in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. This is a national vigil; learn more at www.MLK50Forward.org.
SAT, APR 7: New England Youth Environmental Justice Summit
- 9am-4pm • Brookside Congregational Church, Manchester, NH
-
To learn more: download the brochure or visit the registration website.
- Jackson Community Church will cover the cost of registration and attendance. $20/day. RSVP to the church asap if you plan to attend, so that we can register you. Or let us know if you register separately, but plan to attend, so we can coordinate rides and reimbursement for attendance.
- Rev Gail will attend summit and provide rides.
- The Summit is open to all middle school, high school and college students; as well as teachers, mentors, pastors, lay leaders and advisors: and anyone interested in acquiring tools for facing the pressing moral issue of climate change.
-
Keynote Speakers:
- Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Massachusetts Conference Minister, UCC
- Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, UCC Minister for Environmental Justice
-
Afternoon Breakout Sessions include:
- Pam Arifian, Director, UCC Northeast Environmental Justice Center
- Marla Marcum, Founder, Climate Disobedience Center
- John Ungerleider, Professor, School of International Training
-
Jehann El-Bisi, PhD and Film Director, and Art Desmarais
-
Representatives from 350.org and other groups will lead a workshop on activism in climate change issues
SUN, APR 8: Road to Emmaus Hike
- 9am • “Road to Emmaus” Walk. Meet at church for family hike if weather permits. Indoor activities available if weather turns
Note: Additional spring youth & family schedule to be announced. Expect outdoor youth & family activities every Sunday at 9am, beginning April 22.
FRI, APR 20-MON, APR 23: Ecumenical Advocacy Days
-
1pm, Fri – 5pm, Mon • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington, D.C.-Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA.
A WORLD UPROOTED: Responding to Migrants, Refugees and Displaced Peoples. A weekend of faith-rooted worship, learning and advocacy in our Nation’s capital – will focus on the uprootedness of our world. We will analyze current policy and envision ways to more fully and justly respond to the global and local needs of displaced communities. Together we will seek policy changes that advance hope and overcome the devastating impacts of conflict, climate change and corruption on God’s people. Ends with congressional advocacy day.- REGISTER – Early-bird registration rates available through March 17th. Register now.
- SCHOLARSHIPS – Justice and Witness Ministries has designated funding for UCC young adults (ages 18-35) to attend Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) in 2018. Learn more and apply by March 23rd.
- Travel costs and hotel accommodations are separate expenses.
- Additional scholarships, such as Bushee-Thorne Scholarship, can be applied to this conference!
FRI, MAY 19 – SAT, MAY 20: Middle School Retreat
-
3pm, Fri – 6pm, Sat • Ipswich, MA
Spend weekend on retreat with Ipswich Middle School youth group. Stay overnight in sleeping bags at the church on Friday and return to Jackson on Saturday evening. RSVP to church by April 15, 2018 if interested.
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
through the UCC
through the UCC
A tuition-free program of the Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries, the IFYI Fellowship is an all-expense paid interfaith immersion experience for young leaders (ages 15-19) providing an opportunity to meaningfully engage together with important global and local issues through the lens of their different religious, ethnic, cultural, economic, social and political backgrounds.
- More Info
- Application Deadline: May 1
(Ages 21-29)
This Internship Programme stretches over an 18-month period, for four young people aged 21-29. Each intern is assigned to work for 12 months at the WCC offices in Geneva, Switzerland, in one of our many programme areas. This is then to be followed by a six-month work placement in the intern’s own country.
- More Info
- Application Deadline: March 15
Flexi-Week.: Come for the day or for a period of days.
- Rev Gail & Chris Doktor will be deans of family camp.
- Our youth can come for one day or an overnight!
- Registration available here:
- Scholarships such as Bushee-Thorne (for which applications already being considered as of April) can be applied to this camp.
- Additional camp weeks are also available with focus on different skills such as archery, rock clibing, etc. Full schedule available here.
EASTERN REGIONAL YOUTH EVENT
July 19-22, 2018
California University of PA, California, Pennsylvania
(grades 7 through 12 )
July 19-22, 2018
California University of PA, California, Pennsylvania
(grades 7 through 12 )
- Join us as we worship, play, pray, learn, serve, sing and dream at the 2018 Eastern Regional Youth Event.
- Stay up-to-date on event details through the event website or contact Ann Desrochers.
- Scholarships from Bushee-Thorne (applications already being considered as of April) can be applied to this experience.
Sampling of the workshops that will be offered at ERYE. Each participant will be able to attend 3 workshops. (Workshop list subject to change.)
- Authentic Faith: The Wisdom of Not Knowing All the Answers
- Becoming a Transgender AllyBuilding a Team – Playing a Game
- Disabled God, Queer God: Understanding the Divine Through Identity
- Disabled in Church: Struggles and Triumphs
- Earth Avengers: Superheroes for the Planet
- From Barbie to Wonder Woman!
- How An Orphan In Mexico Inspired Thousands – And How He Can Inspire You.
- How Can I Help My Community Prepare For And Respond To A Disaster?
- Identity Bowling: Intersectionality through Music
- Our Gender & Sexuality: Confusions and Questions and Wonder
- Praying with Color, Clay, Beads and Ribbons
- Praying with the Body
- Sacred DanceStorytelling for Social Change
- The Conflict Skills That Nobody Got (but everybody needs)This Is Really Happening
- Tie-Dyed Faith: Revealing Your God-Colors
- Walking the Labyrinth to Rejuvenate Your Spirit
- Watershed Management
Sermon: Freedom Walk
JCC 091717 – Freedom Walk from architect on Vimeo.
Meditations on walking toward freedom from bondage
What does it mean to walk for freedom? What freedoms do we have and which ones are being dismantled? How will we stand for freedom and resist oppression and injustice? And sometimes, when it is beyond our control, where do we experience the love and grace that holds us accountable, but also sets us free?
Tonight (excerpts) — Agha Shahid Ali
… I beg for haven: Prisons, let open your gates—
A refugee from Belief seeks a cell tonight.
… And I … only am escaped to tell thee—
God sobs in my arms. Call me Ishmael tonight.
Maggid(excerpts) — Marge Piercy
The courage to let go of the door, the handle.
The courage to shed the familiar walls …
We honor those who let go of every-
thing but freedom, who ran, who revolted, who fought,
who became other by saving themselves.
Freedom Walk:
From Slavery to Something Else
Believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it. — Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
Life is a gift to be received with gratitude and a task to be pursued with courage. — Presbyterian Church USA, Confession of 1967
When author Madeleine L’Engle was asked, ‘Do you believe in God without any doubts?’ she replied, ‘I believe in God with all my doubts. — Bruce Epperly, Christian Century 1-26-10
I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death. — Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.
The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. — M. Scott Peck
We make the road by walking. — Paulo Freire
If you can’t fly then run,
if you can’t run then walk,
if you can’t walk then crawl,
but whatever you do
you have to keep moving forward.
― Martin Luther King Jr
if you can’t run then walk,
if you can’t walk then crawl,
but whatever you do
you have to keep moving forward.
― Martin Luther King Jr
This year is also the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.
Prayer — Martin Luther
Eternal God,
you call us to ventures
of which we cannot see the ending,
by paths as yet untrodden,
through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out with courage,
not knowing where we go,
but only that your hand is leading us
and your love supporting us,
in Christ Jesus our Lord.