Author: Church-1

The Traveler
January / February 2026

Hope Ministries
First United Methodist Church
18 Wesley Way (Rt. 11A)
PO Box 7408,
Gilford, NH 03247
———————————-
Phone: (603) 524-3289
E-mail: office.nhhope@gmail.com
Office Administrator: Taylor Sager
Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Rev. Nami Yu
Office: (603) 524-3289
Parsonage: (603) 273-0597
E-mail: Pastor.nhhope@gmail.com
Web Site: NHhope.org

Youth Ringing Bells for the Salvation Army

2025 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

January / February 2026

Greeters
Jan. 4 Gerri Bolduc & Sue Shelton
11 Phil & Rita Polhemus
18 Susan Rogers & Gail Tapply
25 Marilyn Ayer & Kathy McGregor
Feb. 1 Sue Shelton & Lynn Cannon
8 Paul & Ellen Stickney
15 Susan Rogers & Gail Tapply
22 Marilyn Ayer & Kathy McGregor
Liturgist
Jan. 4 Lou Ann Harris
11 Molly Notkin
18 Linda Shea
25 Tom Madden
Feb. 1 Gail Tapply
8 Ellen Stickney
15 Molly Notkin
22 Chris Burke
Ushers
Jan. 4 John Cooper & Sue Shelton
11 Phil & Rita Polhemus
18 Bill & Lynne Cannon
25 Diane Bigl & TBD
Feb. 1 Phil Carter & Gail Tapply
8 Heidi & Mike Polhemus
15 John Cooper & Sue Shelton
22 Lynn & Bill Cannon
Counters
Jan. 4 Vickie Wood Parrish & Phil Carter
11 Alger Conger & Gail Tapply
18 Tom Roscoe & Gail Tapply
25 Molly Notkin & Alger Conger
Feb. 1 Molly Notkin & Phil Carter
8 Tom Roscoe & Gail Tapply
15 Vickie Wood Parrish & Alger Conger
22 Gail Tapply & Alger Conger

Deadlines
For the March newsletter please have your items in by February 17
For Administrative Council
Reports are due in the office Feb 9 for the meeting on Feb 18
For Announcements
Please have items in by Wednesday so they can be shared with our weekly email.

If those signed up change their weeks of service, please swap with someone and contact the church office to let them know. Thank you.

Hallelujah Handbells
Any questions?
Call Vickie Wood Parrish
(603) 520-3898

Pastors Letter
“Glory Revealed: Checking Our Attitude as We Carry the Light”
Dear Beloved Community,
As we step into this new year together, I find myself thinking about light—not just any light, but the Light that came into the world and changed everything. The season of Epiphany invites us to celebrate that the glory of God has been revealed in Jesus Christ, and with that celebration comes a holy question: So what?
It’s not enough to simply admire the light. The magi didn’t travel all that way just to see a beautiful star—they followed it to encounter the Christ child, and then they went home “by another way.” The light changed them. It set them on a new path. And so we must ask ourselves: What does this light do for us, to us, and what will we do because this light has been revealed?
This month, we’re embarking on a worship series called “Glory Revealed: Check Your Attitude!” I love the playfulness and the challenge in that title. We’re not just passive recipients of God’s glory; we’re called to examine our posture, our perspective, our very way of being in the world now that we’ve seen the light.
Throughout this month, I invite you to do your own attitude check. How are you orienting yourself toward the light that has been revealed? Are you making space to notice God at work? Are you living into your baptismal identity as a beloved child of God? Are you allowing your life to reveal something of God’s glory to those around you? Are you choosing love over fear? Are you doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly?
This is the gift of Ordinary Time—these weeks between the spectacular celebrations of Christmas and the solemn journey of Lent give us space to work out the substance of our faith in the ordinary moments of our lives. Ordinary time is when the light of Epiphany becomes the light we carry into our workplaces, our neighborhoods, our homes, and our hearts.
As we begin this new year together, let us renew our covenant with God and with one another. Let us commit once again to follow the light, to be the light, and to trust that the One who called light into being at creation is still speaking light into our lives today.

May this be a year when we see with new eyes, love with courageous hearts, and walk humbly with the God who is our light and our salvation.
In the light of Christ,
Pastor Nami Yu

PRAYER GROUP
Each Tuesday at 9:30 AM (ET) [Online]
We want to be your prayer partner as you celebrate the blessings of your life and call out to God for healing and wholeness. If you would like your requests to be included during our prayer time on Sunday morning, you can share them through the prayer page of our website (nhhope.org) or by contacting the church office. You are also invited to join our online prayer community with Pastor Nami Yu on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM by clicking:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6472058443
Meeting ID: 647 205 8443

Hope Ministries PRAYER FELLOWSHIP
Do you wish to grow your prayer life?
Consider this online gathering for connection, sharing, discovery, and celebration with God and each other through prayer. We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM by Zoom. Open to the wider community, all are welcome! Invite a friend and give it a try! Email office.nhhope@gmail.com to request the Zoom link. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. – 1Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Next meeting: February 11, 7:00 PM, by Zoom

Please join us for worship in person on Sundays at 10:30 AM
Also, we are on You Tube—go to nhhope.org/grow/worship
We have a Family Room available. It is fully equipped with toys, a soft crib, changing table, and rocking chairs. There is also a TV channel for the worship service so an adult can continue to watch the service while children play, sleep or get rocked.
January 4 — Epiphany Sunday
January 11 — Baptism of the Lord
January 18 — 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
January 25 — 3rd Sunday after Epiphany
February 1—4th Sunday after the Epiphany
February 8—5th Sunday after the Epiphany
February 15—Transfiguration Sunday
February 22—1st Sunday in Lent

Lectionary
The Lectionary is a list of Bible readings used in many Christian churches for weekly worship services. Please join us this season in reading the Bible during your devotional times.
January 4 — Epiphany Sunday
Jer 31: 7-14; Ps 147: 12-20 (UMH 859); Eph 1:3-14; John 1: (1-9), 10-18
January 11 — Baptism of the Lord
Isa 42: 1-9; Ps 29 (UMH 761); Acts 10: 34-43; Matt 3: 13-17
January 18 — 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
Isa 49: 1-7; Ps 40: 1-11 (UMH 774); 1 Cor 1: 1-9; John 1: 29-42
January 25 — 3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Isa 9: 1-4; Ps 27: 1, 4-9 (UMH 758); 1 Cor 1: 10-18; Matt 4: 12-23
February 1—4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Mic 6:1-8; Ps 15 (UMH 747); 1 Cor 1: 18-31; Matt 5: 1-12
February 8—5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Isa 58: 1-9a (9b-12); Ps 112: 1-9 (10) (UMH 833); 1 Cor 2: 1-12 (13-16); Matt 5: 13-20
February 15—Transfiguration Sunday
Exod 24: 12-18; Ps 2 (UMH 739) or Ps 99 (UMH 819); 2 Pet 1: 16-21; Matt 17: 1-9
February 22—1st Sunday in Lent
Gen 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7; Ps 32 (UMH 766); Rom 5: 12-19; Matt 4: 1-11

Happenings with Missions
Donations to the Common Pantry are collected continually. There are many in need, so please plan to drop off some non-perishable items for the pantry.
On Tuesday February 10th we have Isaiah 61 happening. We feed 65-75 folks each time. Food should be at Isaiah by 10:45 AM. Servers are always needed and should be there by 11:30 AM. If you can provide food, please let Fred Shugrue (603-524-1737) or Nancy Morley (603-524-2580) know.

Giving Tree Helps Area Families
Thank you to the Hope Ministries congregation because we are making the New Year brighter for families in our region. Our gift cards totaled $1,215! An amazing total. These gift cards will make the New Year a little brighter for families in need.
We will distribute the gift cards to 11 schools: 3 in Belmont, 3 in Gilford and 5 in Laconia schools. We want to focus less on toys and gifts and more on basic needs after Christmas.
Thank you to our congregation for this needed mission.

Carter Mountain Band

Education News
2025 Holiday Season

Valentine Potluck Luncheon
You’re warmly invited to a Valentine Potluck Luncheon beginning during Coffee Fellowship on Sunday, February 8, 2026 (weather permitting). All Sunday School students, church youth, and their families are invited to join us for good food, fellowship, and fun! Please bring an appetizer, salad, casserole, or dessert to share, and stay to enjoy time together. There will also be opportunities to play games and gather in our newly renovated Youth Room. Come celebrate Valentine’s season with laughter, friendship, and community—we hope to see you there!

Christmas Dinner—2025
The Christmas dinner hosted by our church on December 25th was a great event thanks to all of the volunteers, both from our church and surrounding communities. Many church members helped with setting up and providing desserts, of which we had plenty this year! We served well over 120 people, including volunteers and a few take-outs for people who couldn't attend in person. The guests were very grateful and many said they' be back next year and bring friends.
The United Baptist Church of Lakeport provided the food and punch in the reception room and acted as hosts to help the guests feel welcome. A special thanks to Betty and Wayne Hackett for all they did.
The Laconia Rod & Gun Club purchased most of the dinner food, prepared it and plated it for our servers on the day of the dinner.
Servers came from all over - twenty or more - and I think this was the best crew we've ever had. They all instinctively knew what needed to be done and did it! And they all stayed around to help clean up and put things away.
I personally thank the church members who helped with setting up, baking desserts, and working on the day of the event. And a special thanks goes to Wes Dull and Mike Cosgrove for running the dishwasher and seeing that the kitchen was left clean.

Weekly Mailed Bulletin
Are you or a loved one unable to attend Sunday Services and would like to follow along through the online service? Let the office know and you can receive a printed Bulletin by mail every week.

Special Thanks
Thanks to all who helped in decorating the sanctuary and other rooms for the Holiday (Holy Days) season. Special thanks to the choir who moved and returned the altar for the Carter Mountain Band Concert, the many people who decorated the sanctuary, Fireside Room and Fellowship Hall, and all who helped at the concert, fairs and dinners.
Thanks also to those who shared their crèches in the sanctuary – Kathy McGregor, Carol Capra, Rachel Young, Phil and Rita Polhemus, and Vickie Wood Parrish.

Church Family News

Happy January Birthdays
4 Joyce Ringleb
9 Jeff Klaubert
13 Megan Fitzmaurice
Ethan Byington
16 Jonathan Kavale
Melissa Plyer
19 Morgan Lacroix
21 Lynn Sims
22 Paul Stickney
Serena Grassman
24 Vi Adrignola
Fred Shugrue
28 Judy Leavitt
29 Stan Schuyler
30 Taylor Sager
Randall Sims

Happy January Anniversaries
19 Filip & Amy Lovisek
Phil & Rita Polhemus
Happy February Anniversaries
12 Tom & Pat Roscoe

Happy February Birthdays
2 Lynn Peterson
Sally Smith
3 Bryan Stewart
4 Jerry Albert
Sophia Pollini
Barbara Bixby
5 Susan Roger
6 Don Harris
7 Gail Tapply
Chris Burke
8 Jay Plyler
Henry Storms
10 Maximus Lovisek
11 Lindsay Pierce
12 Dick Walden
David Kirk
13 Jerry Grassman
14 David Hutchins
16 Andrew French
Gerri Buldoc
17 Chris Burke
18 Heather Roscoe
Cooper Pierce
21 Leah Scudder
22 Cynthia Swan
Zachary Capra
23 Beth Buckland
Harlow Jordan
24 Mark Hutchins
25 Beatrice Snow

If you and your family are not included on the birthday or anniversary list, but would like to be, please call the office and let Taylor know: (603) 524-3289

Wesley Choir
The Wesley Choir, under the leadership of Karen Jordan, is looking for more members to join in. All are welcome! More singers are needed to give us the ability to sing some different music. Rehearsals are held Sundays at 9:00 AM. We look forward to seeing everyone.

December Ladies Lunch

Senior Movie Day
Second Wednesday of the month at
Scene One Gilford Cinema 8
Admission—$7.00 which includes:
hot buttered popcorn, soda, and candy.
Your choice of 8 movies at 10:00 AM
Next Movie Day:
Wednesday February 11

Online Church Pictorial Directory
This is how you access it on your computer:
Go to your computer and open your internet —enter Instant Church Directory
At the prompt—enter your email address
You will be sent a 6-digit code to your email
Enter the code into the box
The directory will come up
On your tablet or phone, you will need to download an app, then follow the above. Please review your information and if there are errors, please send corrections and a picture if you have not sent one to:
directory.nhhope@gmail.com.

Altar Flowers
We love having beautiful flowers on the altar! You can be a part of this ministry by signing up on the flower chart in the fellowship hall. You can choose a date that is special to you like an anniversary, a birthday, or any date is fine. Fill out the small form in the envelope near the flower chart and turn in to office by Wednesday at 1:00 PM. That way your dedication can be included in the bulletin.

Welcome & Caring Committee

January / February Weekly Calendar
Sunday 9:00 AM—Wesley Choir rehearsal
10:30 AM—Worship
10:30 AM—Sunday school
7:00 PM—AA meeting in the Fellowship Hall
Tuesday 9:30 AM—Prayer Group (Zoom)
Thursday 4:30 PM—Wesley Choir

By Date in January
1 Office Closed
7 7:00 PM—Trustees Meeting (Teams)
8 11:30 AM-4:30 PM—Red Cross Blood Drive
4:00 PM—SPRC
13 11:30 AM—Isaiah 61
14 7:00 PM—Prayer Fellowship
21 6:00 PM—Finance Meeting (Zoom)
7:00 PM—Ad Council Meeting (Zoom)
28 4:30 PM—Missions Meeting (Zoom)
31 11:30 AM-4:30 PM—Red Cross Blood Drive

By Date in February
4 7:00 PM – Trustees Meeting (Teams)
4-6 Nami Away
8 After Service – Worship Committee
Coffee Hour – Valentine Potluck Luncheon
10 11:30 AM – Isaiah 61
11 7:00 PM – Prayer Fellowship (Zoom)
12 11:30 AM-4:30 PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
15-21 Nami Away
17 11:00 AM – Friendly Kitchen
19 7:00 PM – Carter Mountain Band
25 4:30 PM – Missions Meeting (Zoom)

Worship and Sunday school
Sundays at 10:30 AM
Worship service is also shown on You Tube Live.

First United Methodist Church Non-Profit Organization
PO Box 7408 U.S. Postage Paid
Gilford, NH 03247-7408 Permit #85 Laconia, NH
Address Service Requested

January / February 2026

Hope Ministries PRAYER FELLOWSHIP
There will be no Prayer Fellowship in December
Next meeting: January14, 7:00 PM, by Zoom

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