Summer Music Series to open at Gilford Community Church

GILFORD — As part of its regular Sunday service at 10 a.m., Gilford Community Church will host the first performance of its Summer Music Series with musicians Michael Wernig and Chris Tompkins on Sunday, June 12.

A recent graduate of UNH, Wernig currently works at Newmarket Parks and Recreation and offers private piano lessons. Performing at GCC since he was a young adult, Tompkins has stayed at Lake Shore Park in Gilford for the summer for more than 55 years. During Sunday’s service, Wernig will play "My Romance" and "Rhapsody in Blue," while Tompkins will sing gospel and also sing a duet, “There Was Jesus,” with Cindie Graham.

“We are thrilled to welcome both musicians here to kick off our Summer Music Series,” said Pastor Michael Graham, who noted that GCC’s Sunday services in the summer are “full of music.” “Our services, especially in the summer, feature beautiful, live music and sermons meant to inspire people to think critically and with their hearts… I do not preach dogma.”

GCC’s Summer Music Series continues weekly every Sunday through Sept. 4. Featuring all musical styles from classical to contemporary, performances take place during Sunday services, which begin at 10 a.m.

For those unfamiliar with GCC and its popularity as a music venue, Graham said visitors are “in for a treat.” “We don’t want to be a secret,” he said. “We have a beautiful state of the art system and incredible acoustics here. If you have not visited us, please do — you will be surprised at what you hear.”

Located in Gilford, NH, GCC is an inclusive, open community with a broadly ecumenical spirit that welcomes people from all denominational and cultural backgrounds. Viewable live on YouTube, services take place at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 19 Potter Hill Road.

To learn more about GCC, visit: gilfordcommunitychurch.org.