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.
Priest ordination
Belchertown – On behalf of the Anglican Church in America, The Most Rev. Brian Marsh, Presiding Bishop (retired) is pleased to congratulate Rev. Thomas Stockton of Belchertown on his ordination to the priesthood. Fr. Stockton was ordained by the Rt. Rev. Alexander Henderson Webb on Saturday, May 18, at St. Luke’s Mission in Charlestown, NH. Fr. Stockton and Bishop Marsh, both of Belchertown are investigating the possibility of offering regularly-scheduled traditional Anglican worship locally and in Belchertown.
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.
Vendor fair/yard sale
Springfield – Foster Memorial Church, UCC, is holding a vendor fair/yard sale on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at the church 1791 Wilbraham Road in the Sixteen Acres section. There will be vendors with a variety of products, and tag sale tables. There will also be lunch items and baked goods for purchase and a large gift basket raffle.
Church concert
Monson – Michael Gilman will perform again at the Monson Unitarian Church on Sunday, June 2 at 10 a.m. He will perform movie themes from classic films like “Love Story.” Also included will be works of Cole Porter, and Paul Hindeminth. The church is located at 177 Main St., Route 32. The performance is free and a reception will follow in the parish hall.
Floral Focaccia event
Longmeadow – Chabad Women invites the community to a “Floral Focaccia” event on Monday, June 3, 7 p.m. at LYA, 1148 Converse Street. Grab your apron, the necessary supplies will be provided to create your own floral focaccia. Focaccia is a flat leavened oven-baked Italian bread. At the event the focaccia bread will be decorated with floral vegetables in honor of Shavuot. Refreshments will include cheese, crackers, vegetables and dips. RSVP to Chanie Cohen, 413-731-1381 or email chaniecohen@gmail.com. Cost for the evening is $20. Admission includes all supplies and refreshments.
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.
You will experience their warm welcome, fine music program, and engaging coffee hour immediately following worship. Childcare is also available. Join the Bible Study group on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on Zoom (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.
Wine tasting
Amherst – Newman Catholic Center, 111 Thatcher Road will be holding their first annual wine tasting “Summer Sips,” on Friday, June 7, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Center’s new facility. Tickets are now on sale. Proceeds to benefit the ministry of the Center, located on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The cost of the tickets are $35 per person and $50 per couple and can be purchased at any Liquors 44 location, and by calling or emailing Newman 413-549-0300, newmansecretary@diospringfield.org. “Summer Sips” will feature a variety of white, red and rose summer wines from distributors from around the country and more. An assortment of non-alcoholic wines will also be available for tasting.
Frozen Polish food sale
Springfield – Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker St., in the Indian Orchard section will hold a frozen Polish food sale pierogi (cabbage, potato & cheese, sweet cheese, blueberry) golabki, and kapusta will be available for purchase on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church hall.
JCC Antisemitism Panel Discussion
Springfield – Josh Kraft, Jeremy Burton, and Anthony Gullini will serve as panelists for “Standing Up to Antisemitism: Empowering our Community,” a discussion moderated by Springfield Jewish Community Center CEO Sam Dubrinsky on Sunday, June 9, 1 p.m. at the Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson St. Introductory remarks will be provided by Attorney Michael Chernick. Expert panelists will discuss the factors behind the rise in hostility against Jews, what their agencies are doing to fight against Jewish hate, and how we can help in our communities. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required at springfieldjcc.org. Access to the JCC is from the entrance off Converse Street, under the green awning.
Special Shavuot event
Longmeadow – Come and celebrate the auspicious moment when Jews reaffirm their commitment to the Torah on Shavuot, at the festive holiday event at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA), 1148 Converse St. On Wednesday, June 12, Jews will once again gather to celebrate the receiving of the Torah. Connect with Jews all around the world as the Ten Commandments are read in synagogue for the holiday of Shavuot. Services will begin at 10 a.m. The Ten Commandments will be read at 11 a.m. An interactive children’s program will begin at 11 a.m. A deluxe dairy luncheon will be served following the services at 1 p.m. Dessert will be a grand ice cream party. Make your own sundae or just enjoy a cone. Cost for the dinner if $15 for an adult, $8 for a child and a family price (same household) of $50. Payment is requested before the start of the holiday and may be mailed to LYA. For more information or to RSVP, contact LYA at 413-567-8665, email at info@lya.org or pay on-line at www.LYA.org.
It Takes a Community event
Longmeadow – On Monday, June 17, Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA) will hold a Scholarship reception, “It Takes a Community,” at Jewish Geriatric Services, 770 Converse St. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. with an Israeli buffet. “It Takes a Community” will include a tribute to Israel following the awards program. LYA is proud to present Yisroel and Yocheved Gesin with the LYA Parent award. Mr. James Jaron will be presented with the Tzedakah Award. Dr. Corrie Trattner will be awarded a Lifetime Achievement award. Cost to attend is $54 and you may RSVP to info@lya.org or at www.LYA.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.
Vendor applications for Christmas bazaar
Ludlow – St. Elizabeth Parish, Hubbard Street, is now accepting vendor applications for St. Nick’s Christmas Bazaar to be held on Saturday, Nov. 16. Call Pat at 413-531-6997 and leave a message.
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.
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
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.
Eastampton Veterans’ lunch
Easthampton – The Easthampton Coalition for Veteran wellness invites area veterans to a complimentary meal every first Wednesday of the month at noon at Easthampton Congregational Church. Attendees are encouraged to park behind the church’s Main Street entrance at 112 Main St. The Easthampton Veteran Coalition also seeks volunteers and sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities help the Coalition with covering the expenses of monthly meals, which cost about $250 each month. The Coalition highlights sponsors at each monthly gathering and recognizes their generosity to the Easthampton veteran community. Volunteers needed include cooks, servers and general help with set-up and cleanup. To inquire about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, contact Emma Reilly at 413-527-1212.
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.
