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.
Upcoming church events
Agawam – Agawam Congregational Church members and friends are collecting warm, winter mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats, either knitted, crocheted, or purchased, to be hung on a “Mitten Tree” in the Narthex of the church. Collected items of sizes for children and adults will be donated to local, area charities which can distribute the items to those in need. Already, boxes and bags of new items, others crafted with care and concern, are overflowing all around, the Tree. The Mitten Tree is just one of the December missions of the church’s Missionary Committee. For more information, contact the church at 413-786-7111 or office@agawamcong.com.
On Sunday, Dec. 17, at 9:30 a.m., the Alice Moore Golden Bell Choir will begin ringing some favorite Christmas carols before the 10 a.m. church service. The Dutch handbells were a gift of longtime, former church member Alice Moore who had been a very active member of the church before her passing. The bells are rung only several special times during the course of a year. The pink Advent candle of Joy will be lit during the church service. All are invited to the special Advent Sunday.
On Sunday, Dec. 24, Agawam Congregational Church will hold its Christmas Eve service at 10 p.m. with special lighting of the Sanctuary. All are invited to attend. The church is located at 745 Main St.
Polish food sale
Holyoke – Our Lady of the Cross Parish will be selling frozen pierogi, golumbki and kapusta on Saturday Dec. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. The food sale will take place in the vestibule of the church. Cabbage, apple and potato/cheese pierogi will be on sale for $10 a dozen. Quarts of kapusta will be available for $5 and golumbki will be sold for $3.50 each. Call the parish office at 413-532-5661 for more information. The church is located on Holy Cross Ave.
Frozen Polish food sale
Springfield – There will be a frozen Polish food sale (pierogi, golabki, kapusta) at Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 25 Parker St. in the Indian Orchard section on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also call Jane Wurszt at 413-543-2835 to arrange a different time. All are welcome to come and purchase.
Choral music concert
Granville – Novi Cantori of Greater Springfield presents “There’s Still My Joy,” choral music to inspire hope in the dark of winter on Dec. 17, 2 p.m. at Granville Federated Church, 16 Granby Road in Granville. Admission is by freewill offering.
SJCC briefing
Springfield – The Springfield Jewish Community center will present a briefing by scholar-in-residence Richard Friedman on Monday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. “The Jewish Community’s Challenges: A Briefing for the Springfield Community” will be the topic of Friedman’s talk, which will take place at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at the JCC, located at 1160 Dickinson St. Access is from the entrance off Converse Street, under the green awning. The event is free, but registration is required, through the website at springfieldjcc.org or by calling 413-739-4715.
Christmas Eve services
Springfield – Foster Memorial Church will have worship services on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The morning service will include a special play, and childcare will be provided. The evening service will focus on lessons and carols. They will end this service with the lighting of candles and singing “Silent Night.” Both services are for all ages, and everyone is welcome. The church is located 1791 Wilbraham Road, in the Sixteen Acres section.
Christmas Eve service
Easthampton – Easthampton Congregational Church, 112 Main St will hold it Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 24. All are welcome.
Upcoming church trips
Springfield – St. Catherine of Siena presents a bus trip to see the Cher Show at the Bushnell on March 10, with brunch at Mill on the River. Call Betty for details, 413-896-8801.
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 with bread and grape juice or with individually packaged wafer and grape juice. Following all Sunday services, there is a Friendship gathering in the church hall. Coffee, tea, and water are served along with various goodies and packaged treats. Juice is, also, available, especially, for children in attendance. Children can, also, visit the “Mural Room” where many animals are painted floor to ceiling on an entire wall. The church is handicapped accessible with a large parking lot. If anyone may need a ride or assistance, contact the church at 413-786-7111 or email office@agawamcong.com.
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.
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.
