GREENFIELD — Temple Israel (27 Pierce St.) hosts Rabbi Simcha Paull Raphael, PhD, scholar in residence, in a three-day conference, “Jewish Views of the Afterlife.” Today, the Saturday morning service begins at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. Kiddush/light refreshments will follow. Tonight, at 7:30 p.m., is “Tales of Ancestral Guides, Wandering Spirits and Reincarnation.” Story Swap to follow. Suggested donation: $10. Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m.: “End of Life Practices and Afterlife Beliefs: A Panel co-sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Franklin County. Temple Israel will be joined by presenters from area churches and other faith/practice centers to share in this panel discussion. For more information, call 413-773-5884 or visit templeisraelgreenfield.org
SHELBURNE FALLS — Trinity Church (17 Severance St.) invites you to celebrate the season at their Living Nativity: Today at 3 p.m. Bring the family to see the Christmas stable, complete with real animals! Snow date: Sunday.
‘Christmas in Colrain’: Sunday at 2
COLRAIN — Colrain Baptist Church, Foundry Village Road, will offer a concert, “Christmas in Colrain,” Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Featuring local musicians and talents including Dennis Ainsworth, the Moldavian Choir of Greenfield, Kevin Holister and family, and others. Refreshments will follow. Donations accepted. For more information: 413-624-8818.
ORANGE — Central Congregational Church of Orange, 93 South Main St., will sponsor the Dana Vespers Concert Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 p.m., with spaghetti supper to follow. For more information, call 978-544-6895.
DEERFIELD — The First Church of Deerfield, 71 Old Main St., will present a “Community Service of Lessons and Carols,” with instrumental and choral music, Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. Participants will include The Bement School, Deerfield Academy, Deerfield Elementary, Eaglebrook and the First Church of Deerfield choirs.
CHARLEMONT — “Under the Moon of Bethlehem.” Prue Berry will share reflections and photos from her recent trip to Israel and Palestine. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., at Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St.
GREENFIELD — On Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., the community is invited to gather on the fourth anniversary of Sandy Hook for a Community Gun Violence Prevention Vigil at Saint James Church, corner of Main and Church streets. For more information, call 413-773-3925.
VERNON, Vt. — The Vernon Advent Christian Church will hold its annual Christmas School on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., for children ages Kindergarden through sixth grade. All children are invited to come and learn about the true meaning of Christmas through Bible stories, songs, crafts and games. Lunch will be provided. Pre-register by calling the church office at 802-257-2341.
WARWICK — Free Dana Vespers Concert, Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. in Metcalf Chapel of Trinitarian Congregational Church of Warwick, 32 Athol Road. Dana Vespers in a program supported by a memorial fund set up in the name of the First Church and Parish Society of North Dana, now under the waters of the Quabbin Reservoir. This concert will feature holiday music by the Pioneer Valley Brass Quintet.
SOUTH DEERFIELD — Jon Leonetti, a nationally recognized Catholic speaker, radio host and best-selling author, will present “Surge of the Heart,” an Advent reflection, at the Holy Family Parish, 29 Sugarloaf St., in Sunday, Dec. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. Leonetti travels extensively helping Catholics understand the story of Jesus Christ and his Catholic Church. Confessions will follow the presentation. There will be refreshments and fellowship in the parish Pope John Paul II Center. Bring your family and friends.
CONWAY — Starting Sunday, Dec. 18, St. Marks Roman Catholic Mission mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings. All are welcome to come celebrate mass with our spiritual community. Our church is at 169 Delabarre Ave.
GREENFIELD — Families are invited to Temple Israel’s Hanukkah celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 27 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. After games and singing, a supper featuring latkes, potato pancakes, will be served. The candle-lighting ceremony will be at about 5:15 p.m. No charge; donations welcome. Temple Israel is at 27 Pierce. St.
CHARLEMONT — Holiday SING with Alice Parker, 7 p.m. at Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St. Bring friends, family and, if you can, cookies.