Bible study session
Holyoke – Disciples of Mary presents an eight-week course looking at several Old Testament prophets (Hosea, Jonah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel). The course will run Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Sept. 26 to Nov. 14. This bible study is presented by Paul Laflamme. Cost is $20 donation to the Disciples of Mary. The session will take place at Jericho Pastoral Center, 537 Northampton St. For more information call: 413-452-0511 or email: disciplesofmary@diospringfield.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.
Tag sale
Holyoke – Our Lady of the Cross Church, 1140 Dwight St. will be holding a tag sale on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain or shine. It will be held in the parish hall. Tons of treasures for all ages. For more information, call 413-532-5661.
Fall Festival
Holyoke – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 485 Appleton Street, Holyoke will hold their fall festival on Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Parish Hall and on the Church grounds.There will be something for everyone: Gift Basket Raffles, $5 Fun Raising Raffle, Vendors, Plants, Bake Sale, a Cafe’, and Outdoor Activities for Families. Free ample parking is located behind the Church and All Are Welcome. For more information, please call the Church Office at 413-532-5060.
Young @ Heart Chorus Concert
Holyoke – United Congregational Church of Holyoke will host an upcoming concert by the Young @ Heart Chorus on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets for the concert are $7-$15 and can be purchased by calling the church office at 413-532-1483 or by visiting www.eventbrite.com. The church is located at 300 Appleton St.
Jewish New Year
Longmeadow – Join Lubavitcha Yeshiva Academy for the High Holidays that will include traditional services with meaning and melody. LYA will host Rosh Hashana services on Thursday, Oct. 3 and Friday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. Shofar blowing will take place at 11 a.m. On Yom Kippur, Friday, Oct. 11, Kol Nidrei will begin at 5:55 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 12, Yom Kippur services will begin at 9 a.m. The closing services of the day will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a break-fast following Yom Kippur’s ending. LYA is open to all members of the community regardless of affiliation. A special children’s program will be held at 10 a.m. on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The children’s program will include games, activities and snack. Services will be held at LYA, 1148 Converse St.
Blessing of the animals
Agawam – Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills will hold the annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4th). Please keep all pets on a leash or in crates so they do not disturb other animals or people. Children who are unable to have a live pet may bring their stuffed animals for a blessing also. The church is located at 1061 Springfield St., in the Feeding Hills section.
Dine and Learn dinner
Springfield – Mark Nutting, a Community Educator from the Alzheimer’s Association will discuss Alzheimer’s and Dementia at 5 p.m. at the Oct. 5 Dine and Learn Dinner at Holy Cross Church. His presentation will be followed by dinner catered by Chef Christian. Tickets are $20 and are available by sending a check made out to Holy Cross Church. Please include the names of the guests attending and write “Dine and Learn” on both the check and the envelope. Mail to Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Rd. Springfield, MA 01118. The last day to sign up is Sept. 29. No tickets will be available at the door.
Antique appraisals
Agawam – Feeding Hills Congregational Church, located at 21 North Westfield Street, in the Feeding Hills section, is hosting an Antique appraisal Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $5 an item or 3 for $12 with a three- item limit. All appraisals are verbal intended to give the owner an idea of value and a sense of history. Items should be small enough to be hand carried. Please no firearms or weapons of any kind. There will also be an outdoor tag sale held in conjunction with the Antique appraisal event. For more information call Kathy 413-786-0195.
Church events
Holyoke – Our Lady of the Cross Church, will host a Blessing of Animals on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. in front of the church (Holy Cross Avenue). In case of rain, the blessing will take place on Sunday, Oct. 13. All pets are welcome.
On Thursday, Oct. 10, the church will be having a bus trip to Encore Boston Harbor Casino. The cost of the church is $50 per person but each person will receive $20 back for slot betting. The bus will leave the Mater Dolorosa School parking lot (67 St. Kolbe Drive) at 8 a.m. and will arrive back at 5:30 p.m. If you would like to reserve a seat on the bus, call the parish office at 413-532-5661 or email Jason at jwillemain@ourladyofthecross.com
Church trips
Springfield – St. Catherine of Siena presents the following upcoming trips: Monday, Oct. 15, a bus trip to see the Boston Bruins vs. the 2024 Stanley Cup Champion’s the Florida Panthers at 1 p.m. Tickets are $190, seats are in Section 321. Full Payment required to reserve seat. The bus leaves St. Catherine’s parking lot at 9:30 a.m., and approximate return by 6 p.m. For more information Call Betty: 413-896-8801.
A trip to Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI. Enjoy Christmas decorations and lights with tours and high tea. Cost is $173 per person. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of Blithewold Mansion. This 45-room mansion on 33-acres is a seaside estate that has been charming visitors for years and is filled with family heirlooms and is framed with gardens. Sit back and delight in a cup of tea, freshly baked scones with sweet cream, a 3-tiered tray filled with sweets and savory treats. Next, depart for downtown Bristol. To book your seat or seats please call Betty. Deposit of $100 is due at booking and final payment is due by Nov. 1 or you can pay the whole amount at time of booking. The bus will depart from the church’s parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
Mystery, Comedy and dinner
Southwick – The Knights of Columbus Rev. Thomas a. Shea Council #11178 presents Mystery, Comedy and Dinner show on Saturday, Oct. 26, 5 to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 224 Sheep Pasture Road. Tickets are $48 per person. Proceeds to benefit K of C charitable works. For tickets, call or text 413-569-8440 or email dinnertheater@KofC11178.org.
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. The church will move its Sunday services from the sanctuary to the air-conditioned Parish Hall for the summer months, through Sept. You will experience their warm welcome, fine music program, and engaging coffee hour immediately following worship. 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.
Weekly programs
Holyoke – St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave., offers the weekly programs. Sunday’s: 9:30 a.m., worship and Sunday school, worship Facebook live; Monday’s: 10:30 a.m., Bible Study at church; Tuesday’s: 6 to 8 p.m., crafts group at church; Wednesday’s: 10:30 a.m., prayers with Pastor, Facebook live; Thursday’s: 7 p.m., worship at church. All are welcome.
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.
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.
Crafters wanted
Ludlow – Christ the King Parish is looking for crafters for their annual St. Nicholas Craft Fair that will be held in the parish hall on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A non-refundable $40 for a 8 foot table, provided by the parish. Make checks out to The Rosary Sodality. To reserve a table(s), contact Debbie Martell at 413-547-8739, Cheryl Orszullak at 413-583-2123. The parish is located at 41 Warsaw Ave.
Crafters wanted
Agawam – The Agawam Congregational Church is seeking crafters and vendors for their Christmas Holly Wreath bazaar to be held on Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register, pick up an application at the church, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more details, call the church at 413-786-7111 or email at office@agawamcong.com. The church is located at 745 Main St.
Vendors wanted
Springfield – South Church is seeking vendors for their upcoming Christmas Fair, to be held on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 45 Maple Street in Springfield. For info and to apply to be a vendor contact Janice at janicehills110@gmail.com
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.
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.
