Temple Israel marks Yom Kippur GREENFIELD — Temple Israel marks the Day of Atonement with a full day of prayer and reflection for Yom Kippur today, Sept. 30, beginning at 10 a.m. Children’s programming will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eventide Singers will present at Yizkor Services at 1:30 p.m.
Fall Festival Sunday is here GREENFIELD — Fall Festival Sunday is Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. at The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, at 8 Church St. We will come together for one combined service for a morning of worship, food, fellowship and fun. Following the service will be a Ministry Fair in Whiteman Room, where folks can learn more about our community’s many ministries and how to get involved, and a special coffee hour. All are invited and welcomed. For more information, call 413-773-3925. www.saintsjamesandandrew.org
Second Church to host Dinosaur FestGREENFIELD — The Second Congregational Church on the Town Common will host a dinosaur festival on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. From 9:30 to 11 a.m. there will be children’s dinosaur-themed activities and information for all ages on the lawn. At 11 a.m., “Dexter and the Dinosaurs,” a musical theatre performance by Piti Theatre’s Youth Troupe will perform in Parish Hall. At 11:45 a.m. there will be a panel discussion featuring dinosaur, geology and local history experts as well as artists from Piti Theatre.
Blessing of Pets in Turners Falls, Oct. 7TURNERS FALLS — A Blessing of Pets will take place at Our Lady of Peace Church on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. in the Peace Garden at 90 Seventh St., in Turners Falls. This annual blessing is in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, creation and, more recently, the environment. There will be refreshments for everyone!
Learn about Temple Israel at fall
barbecue: RSVP by Oct. 8
GREENFIELD — Temple Israel is holding its second annual Fall Barbecue on Sunday, Oct. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at Camp Lion Knoll in Greenfield. This is an event for members, prospective members and friends of all ages. Vegetarian portobello mushroom burgers, Kosher hot dogs and Kosher hamburgers will be provided. There will be hiking, games and crafts. This is an opportunity for those interested in learning more about Temple Israel to meet Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener and enjoy the good food and good company. Requested donation of $7 per person, maximum $20 per family. RSVP by Oct. 8 by calling 413-773-5884 or at www.templeisraelgreenfield.org.
Pianist to perform at Brick ChurchDEERFIELD — The Brick Church Music Series features pianist Edith Widayani on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. at The First Church of Deerfield, 71 Old Main St. Hailed as one of the most promising young pianists in her own country of Indonesia, she is now at Eastman School of Music pursuing her doctorate in performance. Suggested donation: $10 to $20. Reception follows. For more information, call 413-774-2657.
Peace Pagoda 32nd anniversary: Oct. 8LEVERETT — All are invited to the New England Peace Pagoda 32nd Anniversary Ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 8. At 11 a.m., the Nipponzan Myohoji Sacred Ceremony begins, which includes interfaith prayers as well as prayers of other Buddhist traditions. Dharma talk by presiding Elder Monk. At 12:15 p.m. is music. At 12:30 p.m.: Special message delivered by Chief Arvol Looking Horse. At 1:15 p.m.: Closing words and social dance by members of the Wampanoag Nation. At 1:30 p.m.: Hearty lunch served to all. The pagoda is at 100 Cave Hill Road in Leverett.
Blessing of the Animals in Greenfield GREENFIELD — On Sunday, Oct. 8, during the 8 and 10 a.m. services, The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew will commemorate St. Francis of Assisi and the clergy will bless any animal, photo or stuffed lovey that attends worship during the liturgy. All of God’s creatures are invited and welcomed. For more information: 413-773-3925. www.saintsjamesandandrew.org
Blessing of the Animals in Montague Center, Oct. 8MONTAGUE CENTER — Please join us for a Blessing of the Animals on the front lawn of First Congregational Church of Montague on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. All animals welcomed or you may bring a photo or a stuffed animal. Pastor Mick Comstock will offer the blessing. The church is at 4 North St.
300th anniversary homecoming: Oct. 15 SUNDERLAND — The First Congregational Church of Sunderland will celebrate its 300th anniversary with a special homecoming worship service at 10 a.m., followed by a light lunch. The Rev. Barbara K. Seamon and the 300th committee invite you to join with them to share in this historic event.
Digital Cathedral set for Oct. 15 GREENFIELD — On Sunday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m., The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew will be one of a handful of “digital cathedrals” that will livestream Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield’s Liturgy of the Word, featuring the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s sermon. Curry is the Presiding Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America and is visiting the Diocese of Western Massachusetts for a few days. The service will follow, with a local service of Holy Eucharist. Presiding Bishop Curry is a powerful preacher and it is sure to be an inspiring event. All are invited and welcomed. For more information, call 413-773-3925. www.saintsjamesandandrew.org