Religion Notes: Oct. 16, 2025

County Christmas Fair

Shelburne Falls – St. Joseph Parish in Shelburne Falls will hold a County Christmas Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center on 53 Main St. The fair will offer unique country crafts, hand-crafted Christmas ornaments and home décor, sewn, knitted, and crocheted gift items, handmade quilted wall hangings, specialty gift baskets, attic treasures, specialty collectibles and jewelry, homemade baked goods and candy, a teacup auction, great food, and more. Raffle prizes will feature a $100 cash prize, a $100 Blue Rock Restaurant gift card, and a $100 West End Pub gift card. For more information, call 413-625-6405.

Dinner dance

Dalton – Tommy T. Jackson and Black Velvet will be featured when Dalton United Methodist Church, 755 Main St., hosts a dinner-dance on Saturday, Nov. 1, in its Fellowship Hall.

The event begins with a $20-per-plate dinner from 5-6 p.m., consisting of cheese ravioli, Italian wedding soup, coffee/tea, and lemon bundt cake (no take-out dinners). Jackson and Black Velvet will then perform, providing an opportunity to dance to the oldies. Non-dining participants are welcome after 6 p.m. and can support the event with a free-will offering. Dinner tickets must be reserved in advance by calling 413-684-0521. Proceeds from the event will benefit the church’s general fund.

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.

Meat pies are back!

Ludlow – The much beloved meat pies have returned to the St. Elizabeth Parish. Orders are now being accepted. and pies will be available from Oct. 20 to Nov. 6 while supplies last. Each individual size pie is $5. To place an order, call the rectory Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 413-583-3467. No online or voicemail orders will be accepted.

Be ready to choose your pickup date when you call. Pickup times will be between 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Payments in full are required at the time of pickup with cash or a check made out to St. Elizabeth Parish.

Parish Bazaar

Chicopee – St. Stanislaus Basilica will host their annual Parish Bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Stanislaus School, 534 Front Street, Chicopee. The Bazaar will feature a Polish-American kitchen grill along with traditional Polish pastries. Various activities including games of chance, basket raffles, items from Poland, religious items, unique holiday decorations, and children’s games will be available. Eddie Forman Orchestra will provide entertainment with Polish and American music; Bowey the clown will entertain children with balloon twisting and magic from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited for good food and fun times with free admission and free parking. For more information, contact the Parish Office at (413) 594-6669 or email at contact@ststansbasilica.org.

Pumpkin Patch festival

Springfield – Trinity United Methodist Church is delighted to announce its 3rd Annual Pumpkin Patch Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will be held on the front lawn at 361 Sumner Avenue. Set against the backdrop of New England’s colorful autumn, visitors can enjoy a vibrant display of hundreds of locally grown pumpkins-perfect for picking the ideal jack-o’-lantern. Admission and parking are free to the public. Festival highlights include: Pumpkins: purchase your fall décor and get ready for the season; pumpkin painting – Children can paint their own pumpkins to take home; Scarecrow photo op – Capture memories with our variety of scarecrows decked out for the season in the latest fashions’; craft vendors – Browse a variety of handmade goods and seasonal items from dozens of local artisans; games & activities – Kids can win prizes, make s’mores, and enjoy the bounce house and much more.

Upcoming church events

Holyoke – On Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m., Our Lady of the Cross Church will host a free classical piano concert featuring the church’s resident pianist and organist, Jason Huang. He will be joined by violinist Shiyu Zhang and soprano Bethany Williams. The hour-long program includes a noctume by Chopin, two violin sonatas by Mozart and Franck, respectively, and a Schubert song cycle. The church is located on Holy Cross Ave. Please join us for an afternoon of beautiful and reflective music. All are welcome.

The church will hold their Fall Festival the weekend of Oct. 25 and 26 at 67 St. Kolbe Dr. The Oct. 25 hours will be from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. and the Oct. 26 hours will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be entertainment, Polish and American food will be sold and there will be various booths, games and vendors. For more information, please call 413-532-5661.

Upcoming church events

Springfield – Foster Memorial Church, 1791 Wilbraham Road in the Sixteen Acres section, will hold the annual Blessing of the Pets/Animals will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. This is an event for all ages, whether you have pets or just want to join us. Pets must be on leashes or in carriers. Photos of pets will also receive blessings. There is no cost for this event. Everyone is invited to bring donations of pet toys, food, blankets and supplies for the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. This event will be held on the front lawn; in case of rain, there will be a “Drive Through” of Blessings in the back parking lot. For more information, please contact the church office at 413-782-2112.

Silent movie

Monson – The Sanctuary Concert Series of First Church of Monson will present the 1924 silent movie “Peter Pan” on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. The film will be accomplished by Boston-based Organist Peter Krasinski who will play original improvised music. The music will be played on the church’s Johnson and Son 1892 Opus 781 pipe organ. Admission is Adults $10, Seniors/Students $5, children under 6 free, family cap of $40.

Church events

Westfield – UCC Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Ave. will hold their Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 26, 4 to 5:30 p.m. All are welcome.

The church will hold their Harvest Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 1, 5 p.m. RSVP by Friday, Oct. 24, call 413-568-7557 or visit www.secondchurchwestfield.org. The menu consist of pork loin, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, applesauce, seasonal salad, rolls, seasonal dessert, a vegetarian option of harvest cheese tortellini. Cost is $25 adults, $12 children under 12.

ACC Trunk or Treat and Holly Wreath Bazaar

Agawam – Agawam Congregational Church located at 745 Main Street will host their annual family friendly Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 26. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. King Gray will host their Haunted Bus. Also, there will be multiple trunks decorated with Halloween and Fall themes. Come and enjoy candy, games and a chance to vote for your favorite choice in the categories of Funniest, Most Creative and Kids trunk. Enter a special raffle by bringing in either a jar of spaghetti sauce or elbow macaroni to support the local Loaves & Fishes ministry. If you are interested in having a trunk at this event, please email office@agawamcong.com or call our office at 413-786-7111, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

On Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 to 2 p.m., the Agawam Congregational Church will host its Holly Wreath Bazaar. 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.

Craft Fair

Ludlow – The Rosary Sodality’s Saint Nicholas Craft Fair and Raffle on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Christ the King Church, 41 Warsaw Avenue, from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. There will be a 50/50 raffle, and a new menu. All are welcome.

Sacred Heart Church Travel Club

Springfield – Sacred Heart Church Travel Club presents the following upcoming trip on Saturday Nov. 8, Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Cost: $180 per person. Includes: roundtrip bus from Sacred Heart Church parking lot, free time on your own in NYC (sightsee, shop, explore, lunch), orchestra seating at the 5 p.m. Christmas Spectacular (90-minute performance), and driver gratuity. 7:15 a.m. departure and return to parking lot at approx. 10:30 p.m. Payment is requested at the time of reservation. For all trips please contact Jim and Caroline McAleer (413)734-3676 or via email at mcaleer2006@verizon.net.

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.

JFSWM programs

Springfield – Jewish Family Service of Western Mass announces three engaging programs rooted in Jewish values: two returning favorites and an exciting new program for high school students. Building Resilience from Withing. This popular six-week virtual self-care series for caregivers and anyone experiencing heightened stress in their lives. Learn simple techniques to build core resilience, balance the nervous system and deepen a healthy connection to your body. The free program takes place on Zoom, is open to all, and no experience is required. Questions? Please call 413-737-2601 or contact Tammy Morton: t.morton@jfswm.org.; Jewish Family Service Corps. Parents and their school-age children work together doing hands-on volunteer projects supporting refugees, older adults, and local families in need. Questions? Call 413-737-2601 or contact s.crawford-muscat@jfswm.org; Kavanah Action Corps: take action. Teens plan and lead service projects, learn about advocacy, meet local and state leaders, and participate in a trip to the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Questions? Call 413-737-2601 or contact Simon Crawford-Muscat: s.crawford-muscat@jfswm.org. Visit jfswm.org for more information or to register.

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.

New thrift store at 1st Lutheran

Holyoke — First Lutheran Church, at 1810 Northampton St., recently announced the grand opening of its new Thrift Store. As of Oct. 11, it will be open every Saturday thereafter, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Thrift Store will be selling slightly used clothing, toys, household goods and much more at discount prices helping serve the community’s needs.