This Week: MON, Feb 25 – SUN, Mar 3
At Jackson Community Church and Around Town
At JCC: Mon – Scout Dinner, Tue – Clergy Lunch, NH Conference Planning Mtg, Wed – Fitness & Womens Group Thurs – Yoga & Drum Lessons & AA, Fri – Pastors Hours & Youth Group Overnight, Sat – Way Station Community Service Work Day (Nativity Lutheran) & Youth Group Overnight, Sun – XC Blessing & Worship. Around Town: Tue – Affordable Housing Panel, Thurs – Coalition on Homelessness & Grammar School Ski-a-Thon, Sat – Guided Snow Shoe Tour. Save These Dates: Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Celebration & Ash Wednesday Observances plus Classes in Advanced Facilitator Training on Active Listening & Impact of Homelessness on Children & Harvard EdX course on Religion, Conflict and Peace
MON, Feb 25
- PACK 321 SCOUT BLUE and GOLD DINNER
5:30pm • Parish House
Scout dinner for pack sponsored by Jackson Community Church! The pack will be providing community service with the church in March.
TUE, Feb 26
- CLERGY of the EASTERN SLOPE
12:30pm • Lunch for local clergy from Mt Washington Valley faith communities. Rev Gail attends. - United Church of Christ / NH Conference Event: ANNUAL MEETING PLANNING COMMITTEE
2-4pm • Conference Call
Rev Gail participates in planning NH Conference annual meeting scheduled for autumn 2019. - AFFORDABLE HOUSING DISCUSSION
6-7pm – social • 7pm – panel discussion.
Eastern Slope Inn, No Conway, NH.
Sponsored by our local Home Builders Association.
WED, Feb 27
- TUNE UP FITNESS with Laurie McAleer
9:30am • Parish House.Fitness class. Free; open to public. These classes will continue through the end of February, then the instructor will re-evaluate whether she can continue into March. Classes remain weather dependent; if schools are delayed or closed, the class will be cancelled. - WOMEN’S GROUP
10:30-Noon • Parish House
Social gathering of friends and members of the church. - THREE MINUTE FICTION SLAM
6pm • White Birch Books, No Conway
Sponsored by Jackson Women’s Writing Group as part of the statewide NH Writers’ Project.
* Open to the public. Anyone 17 years old or older may compete. Writers take turns presenting original flash fiction pieces of no more than three minutes in length when read aloud.
* Email Anne to register.
* Questions? Call Anne at 603-236-6724 or White Birch Books at 603-356-3200
The judges keep a private score for each piece. At the end of the night, the contestant with the highest score wins. Regional winners are invited to participate in the Three Minute Fiction Slam state finals run by the NH Writers’ Project. Among other prizes, the winner of the finals gets free entrance to The 603 Conference (the region’s largest literary conference) on April 27, 2019. There they will read the winning work before an audience of publishers, editors, agents, and fellow writers.
THURS, Feb 28
- Community Event: MEETING of MWV CARE & SERVICE PROVIDERS (public, nonprofit, private) re HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING INSECURE ISSUES
9-11am • SAU#9 Professional Development Building
Rev Gail attends. - FLOW & ALIGN 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: GRAMMAR SCHOOL SKI-A-THON
12:30-4:30pm • Jackson XC Center Fields
This annual fundraiser by the PTO provides funds to support the enrichment programming for the school! The PTO splits the profits with a charity selected by the Student Council, which selected “Molly’s Place” at the Children’s Hospital in Dartmouth as the recipient of their proceeds. Molly’s Place is a center at the hospital where children can play, relax or unwind while they or a sibling are being treated. - Private Event: DRUM LESSONS with Brian Craig
4:30-7:30pm • Parish House - AA
6:30pm • Second Floor, Church.
FRI, Mar 1
- PASTOR’s DROP-IN HOURS
7-9am • J-Town Deli
Come for caffeine, conversation. Or make a separate date to meet with Rev Gail by calling her cell (978) 273.0308 or email. - PASTOR’s OFFICE HOURS
9:30-11:30am • Church. Drop by or make an appointment to meet with Rev Gail by texting or calling her cell (978) 273.0308 or by email. - Community Event: GUIDED SNOW SHOE TOURS
10am & 1pm • Start from Jackson XC Ski Touring Center
$15 includes ticket and tour; rental equipment available. Tours are approx. 90 minutes. More info. -
YOUTH GROUP OVERNIGHT
9pm, Fri – Noon, Sun • Parish House.
Youth Group from First Church in Ipswich, UCC will be hosted at our church on Friday and Saturday. They will participate in community service and recreation at local ski areas (XC and downhill) and also join us for worship on Sunday morning. Local middle and high school youth are welcome to join them for community service, recreation and dinner on Saturday.
SAT, Mar 2
- WAY STATION WORK DAY
9am – 4pm • Nativity Lutheran Church
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! - YOUTH GROUP OVERNIGHT
9pm, Fri – Noon, Sun • Parish House.
Youth Group from First Church in Ipswich, UCC will be hosted at our church on Friday and Saturday. They will participate in community service and recreation at local ski areas (XC and downhill) and also join us for worship on Sunday morning. Local middle and high school youth are welcome to join them for community service, recreation and dinner on Saturday. - Community Event: GUIDED SNOW SHOE TOURS
10am & 1pm • Start from Jackson XC Ski Touring Center. $15 includes ticket and tour; rental equipment available. Tours are approx. 90 minutes. More info.
SUN, Mar 3
- YOUTH GROUP OVERNIGHT
9pm, Fri – Noon, Sun • Parish House.
Youth Group from First Church in Ipswich, UCC will be hosted at our church on Friday and Saturday. They will participate in community service and recreation at local ski areas (XC and downhill) and also join us for worship on Sunday morning. Local middle and high school youth are welcome to join them for community service, recreation and dinner on Saturday. - INTERFAITH GATHERING @ OLD LIBRARY
8am • Old Library. Hot beverages available. Come for poetry, literature, conversation and prayer. - BLESSING of BODIES, BOOTS & BINDINGS
9:15am • Jackson XC Ski Touring Foundation
Rev Gail offers blessings to staff, volunteers and skiers. - WORSHIP
10:30am • Jackson Community Church.
* Story: Rev Gail
* Accompanist: Alan Labrie
* Guests: First Church of Ipswich, MA Youth Group/UCC
March 25 Story: Entrance & Exit (Palm Sunday)
JCC 032518 from architect on Vimeo.
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.
Reflections on themes from Palm Sunday
Just like 2000 years ago, similar to the crowds who welcomed their Messiah on Palm Sunday, we grapple with the tension between what people hope leaders can and should be and the reality of who comes to lead us. Also: what question is being asked of you as a leader in your own corner of the world? — Rev Gail
You matter, you are enough, you have influence … you have a contribution to make. You have a gift others need. It will be your actions that define your impact, you are change. You matter. — Angela Maiers, New Teacher Center
Engraved on Sundial
The shadow of my finger cast
Divides the future from the past:
Before it stands the unborn hour
In darkness and beyond thy power;
Behind its unreturning line
The vanished hour, no longer thine;
One hour alone is in thy hands,
The now on which the shadow stands.
This Week: Mar 19-Mar 25
MON, MAR 19
- DEACONS
4pm • Pastor’s Office, Second Floor of JCC - REIKI WORKSHOP (private class)
6pm • Classroom/Betty Whitney Library, Second Floor of JCC - JACKSON WRITING GROUP (closed meeting)
6pm • Parish Hall
TUE, MAR 20
- JACKSON LIBRARY BOOK GROUP
4:30pm • Jackson Public Library
Discussing Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal
WED, MAR 21
- PASTOR’s DROP-IN
7-9am • JTown Deli.
Come for caffeine, cuisine, and conversation. - TUNE UP (Fitness) with LAURIE McALEER
10-11am • Parish Hall, Jackson Community Church
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. 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. - COUNCIL
7pm • Betty Whitney Library, Second Floor of JCC
THURS, MAR 22
- 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) - SOUP & SKI with FAMILY & FRIENDS
5pm • Parish Hall of Jackson Community Church
Gather with members and friends of a few of the valley’s faith communities for soup supper. Menu this week: Italian ‘Senate bean’ soup, salad, bread.
5:30/6pm • Meet at church for evening XC ski or snow shoe. Optimal starting point to be determined. 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. Note: We will continue this practice thru Mar 22, and will end the Lenten soup series with a Maundy Thursday meal on March 29. - AA
6-7pm • Church Library
FRI, MAR 23
- Community Event:
“404 NOT FOUND” Film Screening and SOUP SUPPER
5-7pm • Gibson Senior Center, North Conway, NH
Come for movie and a soup supper donated by several valley restaurants. This film screening held in collaboration with Clergy of the Eastern Slope and First Church of North Conway’s Missions Team. “404 Not Found” highlights the homeless youth in NH. Donations will be accepted.Check out the film trailer @ 404notfoundfilm.com. Held in collaboration with Governor Sununu’s “Sleep Out”. Kick-starting awareness of and approaches to this valley issue, which will take a valley solution. -
“Sleep Out” (Stay-Up-Late or Sleep Over at Church)
8pm, Mar 23 – 9am, Mar 24 • Jackson Community Church
Dependent on RSVP by youth (5th grade and older) and families. Youth & chaperones may 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 required.
SAT, MAR 24
- Community Event:
MARCH in JACKSON
10am • Covered Bridge to Grammar School - Community Event:
TRIVIA GAME with Houlihans at
2:45pm • Jackson Public Library
Church team(s) to play in trivia contest. If interested, please contact Fred Tompkins to RSVP so we can plan how many participants will play and organize teams. Game starts at 3pm.
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