Religion Notes: Nov. 20, 2025

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.

Weekly schedule

Holyoke – St. Peter’s Lutheran Church weekly schedule, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Sunday School, Facebook Live Worship Service; Monday, 10:30 a.m. a.m. Bible Study; Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Prayers with Pastor, Facebook Live; Thursday, 7 p.m. Worship at church. The church is located at 34 Jarvis Ave.

Frozen Polish food sale

Springfield – Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker St., will hold a frozen Polish food sale on the following Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 22; Dec. 13 and 20. Food for sale will be golabki (3) $12; Kapusta (large) $10; pierogi (12) cabbage, potato & cheese $14, sweet cheese, blueberries $15. All are welcome to come and purchase. Credit cards not accepted.

Annual Christmas Bazaar

Agawam – The St. John the Evangelist Parish annual Christmas Bazzar, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place in the parish center, directly behind the church, at 833 Main St. For sale there will be Christmas Treasures, baked goods, assorted candy, jewelry, books and media. Try your luck on the gift card and basket items. A variety of food will be available at the snack bar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa will be visiting from 9 to 11 a.m., so bring your camera/devices to create a special memory. Proceeds from this event will be used for the parish center. Admission and parking are free, and the center is handicap accessible. Come, bring a friend, all are welcome.

St. Christopher’s Craft Fair

Brimfield – On Saturday Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, St. Christopher Church will hold its annual craft fair. Located at 20 Sturbridge Road (route 20) it has easy access and plenty of parking. The hours of the fair are Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. The craft fair offers a wide variety to choose from including unique pieces of handcrafted jewelry, primitives, Christmas decorations & ornaments, organic lotions & soaps, resins, watercolors, stained glass, pottery, sea glass, wreaths, mugs, and more. Also the clubs bargain tables that offer an array of goods especially for those on a tight budget. Our strolling caroler Lauren helps bring the Christmas spirit.

The kitchen is open throughout the day and will offer a breakfast menu and a variety of sandwiches, soups, chili, chowder, meat pies, and desserts. Whole meat pies can be purchased to take home. A cookie walk on Saturday starts at 9 a.m.. It sells out quickly so go early. There are also raffles available.

ACC Holly Wreath Bazaar

Agawam – Agawam Congregational Church located at 745 Main Street, will hold its Holly Wreath Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 to 2 p.m. Men! don’t forget there will be cards for sale (sports and famous people). The bakery at the country store will feature sumptuous homemade pies, cakes, cookies, bars, and candy. There will be something for everyone at Santa’s seconds. Also, you can participate in raffles. Stay for lunch at the cafe.

Free dinner

Chicopee – St. Stanislaus Social Club, 21 Chestnut St., will hold a free dinner Thanksgiving celebration at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23. For more information call the Fellowship and Worship Center at 413-214-4140.

Church Craft Fair

Springfield – Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Road, is hosting its annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 29. The Fair will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school gymnasium. This event will feature dozens of Crafters, a Bake Shop and Tasty Kitchen Treats. The Fair is all on one floor and there is plenty of free parking.

Holiday Fair

Westfield – St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish will hold a Holiday Fair at the Parish Center at 34 State St. on Sat. Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a bake sale, golumpki soup to go, a basket raffle and lottery tree raffle. All are welcome.

Upcoming church trips

Springfield – St. Catherine of Siena Church, Parker St., is sponsoring a trip On Dec. 9, the church is sponsoring a trip to the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville Conn., for a Christmas special featuring The Cartels. The cost is $149 per person, and your fee includes a welcome snack of coffee and donuts, musical entertainment and a family style dinner and driver gratuity. The bus leaves the parking lot at 9:50 a.m. and returns approximately around 4:30 p.m. These trips with first choice tours cancellation insurance is available. For reservations, call Betty at 413-896-8801.

Patrick Tobin Concert and dinner

Chicopee – The Knights of Columbus, Fr. Lucjan Krolikowski Council of Chicopee, invites everyone to a evening of great food and live entertainment featuring internationally acclaimed Frank Sinatra tribute artist Patrick Tobin on Saturday, Dec. 6.. The event will be held at St. Stanislaus School, 534 Front Street. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under and include chicken dinner, dessert, coffee, and the show. Doors open at 5 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres served to start the evening. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the St. Stanislaus Basilica Parish Office at 413-594-6669.

Annual Holly Bazzar

Southwick – The Southwick Congregational Church, 488 College Highway, will be having their annual Holly Bazzar Craft Show on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 20 crafters, with light snacks at the “Holly Inn Cafe” on premises.

Polish Food Sale

Holyoke – On Saturdays Dec. 6 and 13, Our Lady of the Cross Parish will be having a Polish Food Sale. Apple, blueberry, cabbage and potato/cheese pierogi will be on sale, along with golumbki and quarts of kapusta. The food sale will take place in the church’s vestibule from 2 to 4 p.m. Use the front doors. The church is located on Holy Cross Ave. For more information, call the parish office at 413-532-5661.

Christmas Concert

Springfield – A concert of “Songs To Lift Your Christmas Spirit” will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. at St Catherine of Siena Parish Center, 1023 Parker Street. Please come and sing along with choir members Loretta Gumlaw and Lou Scungio and Steve Moser(organist) on keyboard.

Tickets are $15 per person and are available at all weekend Masses or by contacting Judy Lloyd at413-657-4756 or email: judyraelloyd@gmail.com.

Bishop Swan Keynote Speaker at Annual Conference of Largest Pentecostal Denomination

Springfield – Bishop Talbert W. Swan II, Jurisdictional Prelate of the Vermont Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) and pastor of the Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ in Springfield, delivered a keynote address at the 117th Annual Holy Convocation of the denomination, held this Nov. in Memphis, Tennessee. This historic occasion marked Bishop Swan’s, the first person from Western Massachusetts to ever address the international gathering of COGIC, second time addressing the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States.

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.

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.

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 service hours

Springfield – Christ Church Cathedral, 35 Chestnut St., Weekly Sunday service hours are as follows: 8 a.m.-Holy Eucharist with no music; 10 a.m.-Holy Eucharist with music; 12:15 p.m.- service in Spanish with music. A healing service is held at the church on the first Sunday of each month.

First Central Bible Church Announces Programs for Children and Youth

Chicopee – First Central Bible Church, located at 50 Broadway Street, is now offering five age-suitable programs from infants through grade 12 that are designed to help children and youth come to know the Bible, grow closer to God, and build a Christian community.

Sunday Morning: Before Sunday service, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., the church’s Sunday School partners with parents and caregivers in nurturing children’s faith through engaging lessons and activities. Classes are held for ages 2 through grade 9. Nursery care is provided for children through age two. For adults, a variety of studies are available during this time.

During the service, from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., First Central offers Junior Church for age five through fifth grade. While adults attend the service, children experience Bible teaching at their level through lessons, songs, games, and projects. The nursery is available for children through age 4.

Wednesday Evening: from 6:30 to 8 p.m. children ages two through fifth grade are invited to participate in Awana, which combines Scripture memorization, Bible teaching, fun activities, and mentorship to help children know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. Please register on the church website at www.firstcentral.church.

Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., young people in grades six through twelve can join the church’s Youth Group, which combines large- and small-group discussions. Sample topics include how the world’s values differ from God’s and the nature of sin. Participants explore their viewpoints while learning to apply Christian principles to their lives. No registration is required.