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.
Celebrate Chanukah with LYA
Longmeadow – LYA (Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy) has an amazing line up of Chanukah events. Come to one or come to all. Menorah Lighting at Thunderbirds Hockey: join the community at the Thunderbirds Hockey game on Saturday Night, Dec. 28. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Cheer on the home team. There will be a special Menorah lighting at the game. Tickets are discounted at $19. Thunderbirds are playing Hartford Wolf Pack. To purchase tickets please email morahk@lya.org; Chanukah Extravaganza at Longmeadow Shops, Longmeadow Shops Bliss Road, Sunday, Dec. 29.This year LYA will feature a Flower Menorah with a message of growth despite challenges. The fun begins at 4:30 p.m. with Chanukah Activities including a Chanukah Story Walk. The menorah lighting will be held at 5:30 p.m. No reservations necessary and open to entire community and there is no charge. There will be music, dreidels, cocoa, latkes, donuts and light up Chanukah gifts; Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop on Longmeadow Town Green. Join the grand menorah lighting on the Longmeadow Town Green in front of the Community House on Monday, Dec. 30, 5 p.m. Participate in the exciting gelt drop with the Longmeadow Fire Department including Chanukah parachutes and treats. There is no cost to attend. For more information contact Rabbi Noach Kosofsky 413-567-8665 x 12; Menorah Parade, join the Chanukah menorah Parade and get a Chanukah Flag on Dec. 31, 5 p.m. Menorah Parade will begin at LYA at 5 p.m. and drive through Longmeadow. For info about parade or to join call Rabbi Noach Kosofsky at 413-567-8665 x 12.
Upcoming Dec. event
Holyoke – St. Paul Episcopal Church, 485 Appleton St., will hold their Christmas Lessons & Carols Service on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m.
Free Channukah breakfast
Longmeadow – Congregation B’nai Torah will hold their annual free Channukah breakfast, on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 9 a.m., at Congregation B’nai Torah, 2 Eunice Drive, Longmeadow. There will be latkes of course, and their usual tasty breakfast served with joy, and entertainment. For more information, please call their office at 413-567-0036.
Holiday schedule
Holyoke – St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave. holiday schedule is as follows: on Sunday, Dec. 29, celebrate the Nativity with carols and lessons. Come and sing your favorite traditional carols to ring in the new year.
Christmas and New Year’s Mass schedule
Agawam – Sacred Heart Parish, 1065 Springfield St., in the Feeding Hills section New Year’s Mass schedule is as follows: Solemnity of Mary Mother of God (New Year’s), Tuesday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.
Taize celebration
Greenfield – On New Year’s Eve, Greenfield’s Second Congregational Church candles will glow, song (chants) will be sung, prayerful silence will be shared. Taize is an ecumenical center in France started after the Second World War to focus on prayer and actions for peace. The celebration will start at 7 p.m. If want to practice singing the Taize songs, practice starts at 6:30 p.m. Use the side doors of the church,, either in the alley or the ramp on the south side of the church. The church is located at 16 Court Square.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
