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.
Souper Socks Saturday
Chicopee – The Holy Mother of the Rosary Church will host its annual Souper Socks on Saturday, Jan. 27 (snow date, Feb. 3). It will be held in the church hall at 26 Bell St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to new socks, they will also be collecting hats, scarves and gloves and underwear for men, women, and children. They will be given to organizations in need. Homemade soups and dessert will be served to thank the community for their kindness. For more information, call the church at 413-592-2032 or Marlene at 413-592-7214.
SOUPer Bowl Sunday underway
Agawam – SOUPer Bowl Sunday is underway at Agawam Congregational Church. Cans of various soups will be collected from members and friends through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11, the day of the big football game. The “Football Stadium” is set up in the Narthex where folks can place their donated cans of soup to be brought to the Parish Cupboard the week of Feb. 12. For more information, contact the church office at 413-786-7111 or office@agawamcong.com. The church is located at 745 Main St.
Building Resilience from Within program
Springfield – Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts presents “Building Resilience from Within,” a 6-week self-care series for caregivers and anyone experiencing heightened stress in their lives. Each week gather online to practice shifting habituated patterns of holding stress and tune into your innate body’s wisdom. Some practices include mindfulness, gentle movement, and release, brain and body balancing, guided visualization and boosting the immune system. All ages are welcome, and all exercises can be done seated or standing. No experience required. Presenter: Reina Goldberg, a Mindfulness Educator, Trauma Informed Coach, and Multifaceted Healing Practitioner. The program is on Wednesdays beginning Jan. 31 through March 6 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. The event will be held on Zoom and is free and open to the public. Drop-ins welcome. Registration is required, visit www.jfswm.org or call 413-737-2601.
JLI Advice for Life course
Longmeadow – “Advice for Life,” a six-week course by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) is set to debut this winter. This immersive journey explores the extensive written communications of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory. The course will be held at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy, 1148 Converse St. beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m. “Advice for Life,” welcomes participants from all backgrounds and levels of knowledge, embodying JLI’s commitment to making enriching Jewish educational experiences accessible to all. Cost to attend is $100 a person with a $180 couples discount. Interested students may call Rabbi Wolff at 413-348-4978 or visit www.myJLI.com to register or to access other course-related information. The course will be offered in-person or on Zoom. Beginning Feb. 1, the course will be offered at the law offices of James Smith, 1331 Main St., Springfield for six consecutive weeks.
Valentine’s dinner
Agawam – Agawam Congregational Church will hold a Valentine’s dinner at the church on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. The menu will consist of spaghetti and meatballs, salad, roll, and dessert. Tickets are $14 and available in the church office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon or after service on Sunday morning. Deadline for tickets is Wednesday, Feb. 13 at noon. For more information, call 413-786-7111 or email office@agawamcong.com.
St. Joseph’s Church Community winter picnic
Westfield – St. Joesph’s National Catholic Church, 73 Main St. is hosting a Community Winter Picnic on Feb. 18 at noon. This picnic will feature grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, salad, dessert, s’mores and hot and cold beverages. The picnic will be held in the church’s Social Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12. All are welcome. For tickets, contact 413-977-2007. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Thursday, Feb. 15. Dinners-To-Go are also available as well.
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.
