GREENFIELD — Join the Interfaith Council of Franklin County and the Cathedral in the Light community for a celebration of the lives of those who have died this year — especially those who died from COVID-19, the unhoused, or those of us without the benefit of community or a service of celebration: Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m., on the Greenfield Common. Nationally, December is the month for memorial services for those who have died without homes, out on the streets. Bring prayers, wishes and the names of those who have died. Masks are required and we will stay more than 6 feet apart, using a sound system.
Please contact the Interfaith Council by phone at 413-625-6967 or email interfaithcfc@gmail.com with questions. All are welcome.
The Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer will lead a collaborative Unitarian Universalist service, “From Miracle to Mystery,” of All Souls Church of Greenfield, the Bernardston Unitarian Church and First Parish of Northfield, conducted by videoconference. The service will begin with a time for all ages that will include a Hanukkah story and will end with a time for community gatherings and social connection. For a link to join the videoconference, send an e-mail to fpnorthfieldma@gmail.com. All will be welcome.
ORANGE — The Interfaith Neighbors Connecting group invites everyone to enjoy the outdoor lighting of the Advent candle and to hear an inspirational message, Sunday, Dec. 13, at 62 Cheney St., and continuing Sundays throughout December and on Christmas Eve. The candle will be lit at 9:30 a.m. and will stay lit all day Sunday and Sunday night. Park your car along Cheney Street and tune your radio to 87.9 FM to hear the broadcast message all day long.
WHATELY — Next year, both the Whately Congregational Church and the town of Whately will celebrate their 250th anniversaries. In honor of its 250th birthday, the church has prepared a special calendar for 2021 featuring photos and portraits covering its history and listing some important benchmarks during this period.
The calendar costs $15 (shipping is another $5) and all proceeds benefit the church. The calendar is available at LaSalle Florists in Whately, at the church when it is open for services as well as Saturday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and by contacting Judy Markland at 413-665-4638.
Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world will launch an unprecedented campaign to distribute a special issue of The Watchtower magazine to local residents, businesses and government officials. The magazine, with the cover title “What Is God’s Kingdom?” will be offered free of charge in over 300 languages, according to Andre’ Martine, a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
An electronic copy is available on the website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, jw.org, or visit https://bit.ly/3lwoP4m
Because of COVID-19, the Witnesses’ campaign will proceed using methods in accordance with local health protocols. This may include distributing the magazine and contacting people via electronic means.
ASHFIELD — The First Congregational Church of Ashfield, UCC, is offering three Wednesday afternoon (4 p.m.) Gatherings for Prayer: Dec. 16 and 23, via Zoom, said the Rev. David Jones. “The Dec. 16 prayer gathering will also include liturgy from the Blue Christmas service, a time when we share our pain and grief. We are all going through a lot of grief these days, as well as gratitude for our blessings. We invite all to join us.”
For more information, call or email Wendy Prée, church clerk, at 413-628-3875 or wendypree@gmail.com
SHELBURNE FALLS — All are welcome at a Living Nativity outside Trinity Church, 17 Severance St., Shelburne Falls on Monday Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. (rain or snow day: Tuesday, Dec. 22). Gather (with COVID-19 safety precautions) around our nativity stable, meet visiting animals from Winterberry Farm in Colrain, hear the Christmas story told again, and listen to a few carols. A wonderful way for all ages to welcome Christmas this year. Call 413-625-2341 for more information.