Religion Notes: Oct. 30, 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.

JLI course on Kabbalah and Meaning in Life

Longmeadow – Draw on Jewish mysticism for a refreshing approach to finding the meaning in all parts of life. Rabbi Yakov Wolff will lead a six-session course, The Kabbalah of Meaning, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 5, at LYA, 1148 Converse Street at 7:30 p.m.

The course’s six sessions combine the study of classic texts with practical applications for modern living. Each session explores one fundamental aspect of meaning and purpose, providing tools that participants can immediately incorporate into their daily lives.

The Kabbalah of Meaning is certified for continuing education credits for doctors, psychologists, social workers, LMFTs, and LMHC/LPCs in the state of MA.

Cost to attend is $100 a person. Interested students may call Rabbi Wolff at 413-348-4978 or visit www.myJLI.com to register or to access other course-related information. This course will be live and on zoom. The course will also be offered beginning on Thursday, Nov. 6 at law offices of James Smith, 1331 Main Street, Springfield for six consecutive weeks.

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.

Upcoming church events

Springfield – Foster Memorial Church, will hold a Quarter Auction on Friday, Nov. 7. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring quarters and friends for a fun evening and a chance to win some great items from vendors. There will also be a raffle. Admission: $5 for two paddles. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Open Pantry for a FREE third paddle. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Tapestry Health, a leading expert in critical public health issues, serving over 26,000 residents annually in our local area and beyond. Dinner food, baked goods and snacks will be available for purchase.

The church is holding a “Food Drive” event on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the church’s back parking lot. They will be collecting donations of non-perishable food for the Open Panty. They will also be collecting new and gently used jackets and coats for children, youth and adults, to be distributed through Rebecca Johnson School, Gray House and the Open Pantry. All donations are appreciated. The church is located at 1791 Wilbraham Road in the Sixteen Acres section.

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 pm 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.

Catholic Women’s Club Communion Breakfast

Agawam – All Catholic Women are invited to join the Catholic Women’s Club of Agawam at their annual Communion Breakfast on Sunday Nov. 9. It will begin with members attending the Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, 833 Main St. at which the Mass Intention will be for the deceased members of the club.

The breakfast will follow immediately after the Mass in the church parish center behind the church. Speaker for the event will be Michael Rogers, PhD., currently the Regional Director of Mission Integration for Trinity Health of New England. He will speak about his book, “Many Paths With Mary”, which was published in 2025.

The breakfast will be catered by Tansey Catering and will include Pastries, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Home Fried Potatoes, Orange Juice, Coffee and Tea. Price for breakfast is $16. Checks, made out to C.W.C., or cash can be placed in the basket at weekend Masses, left at the parish office or mailed to Paula Raiche, 181 Leonard Street, Agawam, MA 01001. Payments must be received by Nov. 3, and there will be no refunds. It will be an open seating event with tables of 8-10 people. Members are reminded to gather in the reserved front pews for the Mass. Any questions or more information contact Katie at (413) 348-9698.

Holiday Fair

Ludlow – The First Church in Ludlow, 859 Center St., will hold a Holiday Fair on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The fair features raffles, handmade crafts, shopping, bake shoppe, and decorative holiday logs. There will also be soup and sandwich lunch.

Fall into winter craft fair

Enfield, Conn. – The Women’s Guild of St. Jeanne Jugan Parish is hosting its annual “Fall into Winter Craft Fair” on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Family Church Hall and Classrooms, 23 Simon Road, Enfield. This event will feature a wide array of the original work by 46 artisans and crafters. A Teacup Raffle and refreshments are also available, and admission is free. This fundraiser benefits both the members of the parish and the greater Enfield community.

Babka bake

Springfield – Join Chabad Women’s Circle for a Babka Bake. The event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center at 1160 Dickinson Street.

The Big Bold Babka Bake will include a live demonstration of making babka. There will be a variety of fillings for participants to choose. This event is designed for ladies who have expertise in making babka, as well for ladies who have never baked babka before. Participants will leave with their own babka to bake at home and a recipe booklet.

Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. You may register online at LYA.org or your check is your reservation. Checks are payable to: Chabad Women’s Circle, c/o 1148 Converse Street, Longmeadow, MA. Women are invited to create their own table of 8 for $180 or be a patron at $72 and a gold patron at $180. All sponsors and patrons will be listed in the program booklet. Refreshments will be served. The Big Bold Babka Bake is open to the public. For more information, please call Chanie Cohen at 413-731-1381 or email at info@lya.org.

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.

Annual Christmas Bazaar

Agawam – The St. John the Evangelist Parish annual Christmas Bazaar, 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.

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.

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.