ORANGE — Today, St. Mary’s Parish will host a visit of the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue in honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. The world-famous statue has been traveling worldwide since 1947 and is on an historic two-year journey across America to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima, visiting more than 100 dioceses in 50 states. Mass will be held at 9 a.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration. Later, there will be a procession with the statue to the grotto, the praying of the Rosary and a talk at 1 p.m. on the Message of Fatima.
BERNARDSTON — “River Rooms” and “Water Views” is the theme of a new art show opening Sunday at 1 p.m., at Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse, 49 Church St., featuring the works of Alice Thomas and Annette Mackin Wadleigh. Greet the artists at an opening reception. The show is open Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. to noon and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 24, and by appointment. Call 413-330-0807 or annette@bernardstonunitarian.org. Sponsored by Arts & Activism at Bernardston Unitarian.
Amy and Shaliest Munankarmi, member of the Yangri Village Project of JRM Foundation for Humanity, will talk about their work rebuilding a small village in Nepal that was wiped out by the April 2015 earthquake. Amy Munankarmi is a nurse who grew up in Northfield. The couple will share their story during the 9 a.m. service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2 Prospect St., in Turners Falls and share slides of the work at the coffee hour afterward, then travel to St. James Episcopal Church, corner of Church and Federal streets in Greenfield, to again present their story, with photos, at the 11:30 coffee hour after the 10 a.m. service.
NORTH ORANGE — Rev. Don Erickson will begin a new sermon series, “A Nonviolent Reading of the Bible,” on Sunday at 9 a.m., at the Community Church of North Orange and Tully. The series will seek to answer the question, “How can I find meaning and hope in a book that has so much violence?” Sermons in the series will be presented on the first and third Sundays through May. They will occur in the first part of Sunday services starting 9 a.m. Contact Rev. Erickson with any questions or thoughts at doneri@gmail.com or 413-687-1564.
BUCKLAND — The Mary Lyon Church on Upper Street in Buckland is having a Variety/Talent show on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 3 p.m. There will be singing, storytelling, jokes and more. This is free to the public. Following the show, pie and coffee will be served. There will also be a raffle.
ASHFIELD — Homecoming Sunday with brunch following worship at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday. Our speaker, Northampton resident Jonathan Harr, is the author of “A Civil Action” and is at work on a book on the refugee crisis in east Africa. He will be speaking to the parish and wider community as we at St. John’s continue to focus much of our mission on the global refugee situation.
GREENFIELD — Franklin County Cathedral in the Light will continue on the Town Common Sundays at 2 p.m. The ministry consists of a weekly worship service followed by a hot meal. Additionally, those who need it will have the opportunity to take home a wrapped sandwich for a meal the next day. The United Church of Bernardston will be the sponsoring church on Sunday, serving beef stew, salad, rolls, butter and cookies. The various churches of Franklin County are invited to join in this ministry.
GREENFIELD — Bishop Mitchell Rozanski will visit Holy Trinity Parish at 133 Main St., on Monday, Sept. 19, for a day-long pastoral visit to learn more about their needs, trends, vision and the programs they offer. Monsignor Ronald Yargeau, pastor, and the Bishop will celebrate the 8 a.m. Mass, followed by a reception. All parishioners are invited to participate. During the remainder of the day the Bishop will tour the parish campus and meet with parishioners, staff and committee members. An evening dinner in Father Casey Hall Council members is planned. Before departing, there will be a wrap-up discussion at 8 p.m.
WHATELY — Beginning this Tuesday, Sept. 20, in Whately at 7 p.m., the Community Bible Church will offer an informal 8-week “Christianity Explored” course. The group will meet at the home of Paul Maiewski, 97 River Road. For more information, contact Bob Emberley at rwemberley@gmail.com or call 413-498-4404. Course and materials are free.
ORANGE — Bethany Lutheran Church, 62 Cheney St., will host a potluck meal followed by a healing service on Wednesday, Sept. 21. The meal and service are open to anyone who would like to share a meal and conversation and be present to one another in a service of healing. The potluck meal will begin at 6 p.m. and the healing service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Both venues are handicapped accessible. Rev. Richard Olson will lead the service and Lais Leal will provide music. For information or questions, call 978-544-3541 or email bicpo428@yahoo.com
GREENFIELD — Temple Israel is offering a crash course in learning to read Hebrew, open to all and free of charge. The first class is Thursday, Sept. 22, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Temple Israel, 27 Pierce St. It will meet on five Thursday evenings through Nov. 3. Attendees receive their own textbook, provided by NJOP. They will learn the Hebrew alphabet and be able to read simple Hebrew sentences. Emphasis will be on learning to read. For more information, email office@templeisraelgreenfield.org or call 917-615-2955.
GREENFIELD — The Social Justice committee of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church invites the public to join them for the following workshops being offered on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the church, 399 Main St., on the corner of Hope and Main. The workshops are being held simultaneously between 1 and 3 p.m., so people attending will need to make a choice when registering.
“Creating a Pay-What-You-Can Café,” with founder and executive chef of the Stone Soup Café, Kirsten Johl Levitt.
“The Advocacy Agenda for Climate Change: What happened with the Omnibus Energy Bill? What comes next?” with UU minister Fred Small.
“Beyond Sustainability: Beef in a New Agricultural Model,” with Ridge Shinn, farmer.
Please register in advance online at administrator@uugreenfield.org. A donation of $5 to $10 is requested. For more information, call Pam Kelly at 413-475-3605 or Molly Chambers at 413-772-0003.
GILL — The First Congregational Church Gill invites any school-age youth in the community to attend a Youth Rally on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. The youth choir and musicians of our friends from Agape Baptist Church in Greenfield (Moldovian) will be leading the event with their special brand of uplifting praise music. There will also be a Bible message by Pastor Gary Bourbeau and a get-together for refreshments. The event is expected to run about 90 minutes. For more information, contact Gary Bourbeau at 413-768-9543, by email at gryngill@yahoo.com or Merri Bourbeau at 413-863-8613.
SHELBURNE FALLS — Trinity Church is hosting the workshop, “Focusing as a Spiritual Practice” on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. The facilitator, Daphne Bye, is a Certified Focusing Trainer, musician and teacher. There is no charge for this workshop but a free-will offering will be taken. Please RSVP at daphneannbye@gmail.com or 413-834-0597 or www.daphnebye.com.
RCIA course begins
Sunday, Sept. 25 at Our Lady of Peace
TURNERS FALLS — Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic? If so, the church has a special process designed to help you explore what the Catholic church has to offer. It’s called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Our Lady of Peace Church will begin the RCIA on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. in the rectory at 80 7th St. There is no pressure or commitment by attending. Call Marguerite at 413-863-2585, ext. 17 for more information.
GREENFIELD — On Sunday, Sept. 25, at 3:30 p.m., we will remember the forgotten victims of America’s gun violence epidemic as part of The Concert Across America, a series of live music events of all sizes from coast to coast. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. in Saint James Church, 8 Church St., featuring congregational hymns, readings and more. The event will then transition into our Parish Hall for the opportunity to walk our labyrinth. To learn more, call 413-773-3925 or visit concert.faithsunited.org.
TURNERS FALLS — St. Andrew’s Church will hold its traditional Harvest Festival Sunday on Sept. 25. Its 9 a.m. service is also designated as part of the nationwide Concert Across America to End Gun Violence. Music by Handel and Ungar & Mason for flute, violin and organ will be offered during the service by Kathryn Aubrey McAvoy of Turners Falls, Jessica Corwin of Sunderland and Sheila Heffernan of Gill. Following the service, enjoy fall-themed breakfast dishes together in fellowship. Harvest Festival Sunday is free and open to all.
SOUTH DEERFIELD — Rev. Jonathan Reardon, pastor of Holy Family Parish, invites everyone to an evening of meditation, adoration and Mass, followed by a talk on the message of Fatima, during this, the 100th anniversary of the appearance of Our Blessed mother at Fatima, Portugal. On Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will visit the South Deerfield parish, bringing graces of Fatima and Our Lady’s message of hope, peace and salvation. The evening begins with Mass and concludes with fellowship and refreshments. For more information, call 413-665-3254.