Thrift shop
Springfield – The thrift shop at St. Gregory Armenian Church, 135 Goodwin St., in the Indian Orchard section, is open Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, go online to saintgregoryarmenianchurch.org.
Church events
Sunderland – First Congregational Church of Sunderland, 91 S. Main St., Serendipity Shop is open on Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with items for sale at bargain prices.
Weekly Sunday church service is offered at 11 a.m. in-person or on Zoom. Email scc1717@wordpress.com or visit the church on Facebook for more information.
Monthly drive-in collection
Springfield – Foster Memorial Church, 1791 Wilbraham Road in the Sixteen Acres section will hold their monthly outreach “Drive-In Collection of Food Donations” on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the church’s back parking lot. They will be collecting non-perishable food for the Emergency Food Cupboard of the Open Pantry. They will also be collecting school supplies, to be donated to the Rebecca Johnson School in Springfield.
Chicken barbecue
Dalton – Dalton United Methodist Church, 755 Main St., will host a chicken barbecue on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. to benefit the Dalton Fire Department and the church’s general fund. In addition to chicken, the menu will include corn on the cob, potato salad, watermelon, brownies and beverages. Tickets for the barbecue are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Take-out meals are available. For further information, contact the church 413-684-0521 or Bernie Klem 413-684-3286.
Monthly spaghetti supper
Ludlow – The next St. Elizabeth Parish monthly spaghetti supper will be on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the pastoral center. Cost is adults $7 each, children $4 each (under 10) with a $20 immediate family cap. The church is located on Hubbard St.
Back to school event
Springfield – The Back-to-School Brighter initiative, in collaboration with Third Baptist Church, is excited to announce the 9th annual Back to School Brighter event. This community event will take place on Aug. 14, at Third Baptist Church, located at 149 Walnut St. The event will kick off with free haircuts and braiding services from 9 to 11 a.m., ensuring students are ready for the new school year. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can enjoy a variety of games, food, and more. Additionally, the event is currently accepting donations of school supplies at the church on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Church trip
Springfield – Sacred Heart Church Travel Club, 395 Chestnut St., will have their annual Hampton Beach, NH bus trip on Thursday, Aug. 15. Cost is $50 per person and includes round trip bus and driver gratuity. Bus leaves the church parking lot from the Stafford Street side of the church at 7:15 a.m. Trip runs rain or shine with an optional alternative side trip if it rains. The bus will depart Hampton Beach, NH at 5:30 p.m. with arrival back to Sacred Heart Church between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Charleton pit stop on the way up to the beach and a Charleton pit stop on the way back to the church. Bring your coolers and beach gear. Contact Jim and Caroline McAleer at 413-734-3676 for any questions, to sign up and for payment information. You may also email Jim and Caroline at mcaleer2006@verizon.net.
Turkey dinner
Ludlow – The Ludlow Knights of Columbus (Council 3535), will be holding a roast turkey dinner on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the St. Elizabeth’s Pastoral Center. The menu includes citrus and herb roasted turkey, homemade gravy, cranberry orange gravy, buttered green beans, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. The dine-in dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and take-out orders can be picked up between 4:30 and 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 each, $50 for a family (3 or more, dine-in only). Call Tony Silva at 413-364-6518, Dave Bergeron at 413-427-6584 for tickets.
LYA annual summer barbecue
Longmeadow – Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy will hold their annual summer barbecue on Monday, Aug. 19 beginning at 5 p.m. at 1148 Converse St. The summer barbecue will feature ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll. This comedy show is appropriate for all ages. The community is invited to attend this fun filled event with activities for the entire family. A barbecue dinner with hot dogs, hamburgers, roasted vegetables and salads will be sold at family prices. Vegan options are available. Everyone who attends will receive a free snow cone and cotton candy. There is no charge for the activities. Kevin Driscoll and Friends will begin at 5:45 p.m. the community barbecue will be held rain or shine. Reservations are requested but not required. For more information or to RSVP, call 413-567-8665, email info@lya.org or visit www.LYA.org.
Drive-thru prayer event
Hampden – LifeStream Church announces a summertime schedule of drive-thru prayer events on specific Saturdays in Aug. If you drive into the parking lot of LifeStream Church during a drive-thru prayer event, a prayer team will meet you at your car and pray with you. You can stay in your car and experience the benefit of praying with others. The event will be held on the following Saturdays: Aug. 19 and Aug. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free. The church is located at 216 Allen St.
Church trips
Springfield – St. Catherine of Siena presents the following upcoming trip. In early Dec., take a trip to Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI. Enjoy Christmas decorations and lights with tours and high tea. Cost TBA. For more information or to make a reservation call Betty at 413-896-8801.
Church events
Springfield – South Congregational Church, an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ in downtown Springfield, invites everyone to its regular worship services, Sundays at 10 a.m. in person at 45 Maple Street in Springfield or on Zoom. Find the Zoom link and more information about us on our website at www.sococh.org. The church will move its Sunday services from the sanctuary to the air-conditioned Parish Hall for the summer months, through Sept. You will experience their warm welcome, fine music program, and engaging coffee hour immediately following worship. Childcare is also available.
The Bible Study group on Zoom will now take place on Mondays at 7 p.m. (use the Zoom worship link) — whether you are new to bible study or have a lifetime of experience, you are welcome. Other programs include regular knitting and quilting circles as well as an upcoming Lenten Book Group. In addition to church services and events, South is particularly engaged in the downtown community, and many public programs are offered in their spaces. If you’d like to know more, receive our weekly email newsletter, or have any questions, please email admin@sococh.org or call (413) 732-0117. Find them on Facebook or Instagram.
Sunday services
Agawam – Agawam Congregational Church, 745 Main St., invites the community to Sunday morning services at 10 a.m. On the first Sunday of every month communion is served. Following all Sunday services, there is a friendship gathering in the church hall. The church is handicap accessible with a large parking lot. The church live stream’s on YouTube each week. Visit https://agawamcongregationalchurch.com. For more information call 413-786-7111 or email at office@agawamcong.com.
Crafters wanted
Ludlow – Christ the King Parish is looking for crafters for their annual St. Nicholas Craft Fair that will be held in the parish hall on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A non-refundable $40 for a 8 foot table, provided by the parish. Make checks out to The Rosary Sodality. To reserve a table(s), contact Debbie Martell at 413-547-8739, Cheryl Orszullak at 413-583-2123. The parish is located at 41 Warsaw Ave.
Additional adoration times
Agawam – St. John the Evangelist Church, 833 Main St. will offer weekly adoration ceremonies on Wednesdays between noon and 5:30 p.m. The Holy Mass takes place at 6 p.m. Lawn signs are available for Agawam residents announcing the Year of the Eucharist. Contact the parish office to obtain one, 413-786-8105, ext. 101.
Dinner and music
Longmeadow – On Saturday, Sept. 14, 3 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 335 Longmeadow St, Longmeadow, MA, will be hosting an evening of dinner and music from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a Sicilian themed dinner by Chef Carla Grifo and live entertainment with regional vocalist Ethel Lee and keyboardist Richie Mitnik performing jazz, standards, Motown, blues and more.
Tickets are $60 per person and are limited to 80, with the deadline being Sept. 8. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchased with cash, check (Memo “Dinner 09/14″ & mailed to the church) or Zeffy (see QR code). For more information, please call or text 860-508-3030, 860-916-9419 or email musicministry335@gmail.com
Free weekly Veterans lunch
Holyoke – Community Roots Neighborhood Services offers a free hot lunch for Veterans and their adult immediate family (Parents or spouse). The lunches are every Thursday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 485 Appleton St. Questions? Email Gina Nelson at crnsholyoke@gmail.com.
Church events
Wilbraham – Wilbraham United Church at 500 Main St., welcomes the community to Sunday morning services at 10 a.m. On the first Sunday of every month communion is served with bread and grape juice. Following all Sunday services, there is a Friendship gathering in the Fellowship Hall. Coffee, and other refreshments are served and all are welcomed. Wilbraham United is a merged congregation of the Congregational and Methodist Societies. They celebrate as both a congregation that recognizes the traditions and values of both the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist denominations. Wilbraham United Church is a place where someone from any walk of life can feel comfortable. They are committed to service and sharing their space for the good of the community and to the glory of God. The church is especially welcoming to children, who are gladly received in the worship service. There are church school classes for children who wish to attend for ages 3 through 13 during the worship service time. The church is handicapped accessible with a large parking lot in the rear. For any questions contact the church administrator at 413-596-2511 ext. 100 or email admin@wilbrahamunitedchurch.org.
