The Spirit’s Alive!
 
 
 
 
 
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Directions to Durham
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lent 2025:
 
Joy Comes in the Morning
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ORGANIZING FOR THE COMMON GOOD   
In Person Workshop / Saturday, April 5
9 am to 3 pm
 
 
“Democracy is not a spectator sport; it’s a participatory event.  If we don’t participate in it, it ceases to be a democracy.” – Michael Moore
 
We welcome Sarah Jane Knoy and Martin Toe, longtime New Hampshire leaders
and leaders with the Granite State Organizing Project.  Their commitment is to
developing leaders for organizing and social change around the issues and
concerns that hit hardest in our communities: poor housing, safety and access in 
schools, barriers to citizenship, unjust working conditions and costly healthcare.
 
We’ll explore ways our Durham congregations can claim a ‘collective voice’ and
collaborate for the common good.  The workshop will include core commitments of
community organizing, diverse traditions iwthin the broader field, and practical 
steps to forming a Durham team.
 
 
IN THE NEWS:
Peace Coalition Demands an End to Arms Transfers
February 2025
 
“Israel’s authorities have forcibly displaced virtually alll of Gaza’s population, used starvation of civilians as a weapon or war, deliberately deprived civilians of water, electricity, medical aid, and other objects necessary for their survival, and damaged or destroyed Gaza’s essential infrastructure and the majroity of homes, schools, universities and hospitals.” – Human Rights Watch
 
The Community Church is a founding member of the NH Coalition for a Just Peace in the Middle East…and we’ve been active with other NH communities in advocating for an end to U.S. arms transfers that facilitate genocide and apartheid.  See more below: news of our recent meeting with the staff of NH Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and our ongoing advocacy for Joint Resolutions of Disapproval.  Pastor Dave Grishaw-Jones is Co-Chair of the UCC Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (formerly UCCPIN).
 
 
 
 
PRACTICAL ALLYSHIP  
In Person Workshop / Sunday, March 23 
1 to 3 pm
 
 
“Being an ally can’t just be about nodding when someone says something we agree with, important as that is.  It must also be about action.  It’s our job to stand up for those who are not at the table when life-altering decisions are made.” – Vice President Kamala Harris
 
Join our Open and Affirming Committee in welcoming New Hampshire Outright for a training on supporting the LGBTQ+ community in our faith space. This training will cover core concepts of gender & orientation, the important impact of inclusion on wellbeing, and practical strategies to act as allies alongside LGBTQ+ people and families both in the church and in the broader community.
 
Blessings and Peace!
 
If you’ve found the site today, I imagine that you’re curious about spiritual community–and what it offers us, here and now, in today’s world of wonder and uncertainty.
 
Look around.  Explore our values, our vision, our programs.  And know that your curiosity itself is a God-gift: a gift to be treasured, pursued and enjoyed.  Maybe you’re new to Durham, UNH or the Seacoast itself.  Check out out a service, a program, a class we’re offering. See if your spirit’s lifted in some way by the community of friends you find here.
 
The best way to know what we believe is to see how we do what we do! Church isn’t just a building: it’s a movement.  As the Community Church of Durham, we’re creating a movement of many generations, many voices and many gifted souls.  It’s a lot of fun, it’s a circle of wonder; and it’s a movement for the blessing of all life.
 
If you’ve got any questions, I’m always eager to talk!  Wherever you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome among us at the Community Church.
 
Dave Grishaw-Jones, Pastor