ORANGE — The newly formed group, Interfaith Neighbors Connecting, or I.N.C., is partnering with the Orange DPW and Josh Knechtel, Interim Superintendent of Public Works, to put on a Spring Cleanup, today, April 23. All residents are welcome to participate; bring the whole family, invite organizers Mercedes Clingerman and Luanne Lyman. Meet at the North Orange Church at 8:30 a.m. There will be a work project at Moore-Leland Library, 172 Athol Road, North Orange from 9 to 11:30. Lunch from noon to 1 p.m. will be at Methodist Church (food and drink provided by the churches), followed by another work project partnering with the DPW at Memorial Park, Butterfield Park in downtown Orange. For more information, call Clingerman at 978-544-5713 or Lyman at 978-544-2338.
GREENFIELD — The New England Gospel Ensemble will be performing a gospel concert on Sunday, April 24, at 4 p.m., at Second Congregational Church, 16 Court Square. This Boston-based group has sung for hundreds of audiences over the years. Gospel music and music of encouragement make up a significant portion of their repertoire. The messages of all their songs are very positive, uplifting, and challenge audiences to participate “as the spirit moves.” Tickets can be purchased at World Eye Bookshop on Main Street or at the door the day of the concert. Prices are $15 for adults, $12 for students. Children 10 and under are free. A limited number of premium balcony seats are available for $20 (adults only). A portion of the ticket sales will go to help support The RECOVER Project. The church is handicapped-accessible. For more information, contact the church office at 413-774-4355 or email office@greenfieldsecondchurch.com or Leigh Labrie at 413-772-2308 or Leighlab3@gmail.com.
BERNARDSTON — The Bernardston Unitarian Meeting House (49 Church St.) will host “Organic Gardening for Everyone” with naturalist and educator John Root at 11:30 a.m. There will be practical advice and inspiration to gardeners of all ages and physical conditions on growing fresh and flavorful vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. Questions are welcome throughout the presentation and handouts are made available to participants. This event is supported by the Bernardston and Mass. Cultural Councils.
GREENFIELD — “Let your spirits soar,” invites the First Congregational Church (43 Silver St.), at GospelFest on Saturday, April 30, at 3 p.m. The concert will feature the Amherst Area Gospel Choir, Moonlight and Morning Star, and the 4D1G Gospel Choir, led by Dennis Ainsworth of Greenfield and including David Welenc, Don Messer, Dennis MacLaughlin, David Chaplin and Garrett Grant. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased in advance at World Eye Bookstore in downtown Greenfield. A meet and greet with the performers, plus refreshments, will follow the concert. The venue is handicapped accessible and proceeds will benefit the homeless via the United Way of Franklin County.
GREENFIELD — A weekly Bible Study will meet on Mondays during Easter season at 6:30 p.m., in the Choir Room at Saint James Church, 8 Church St. We will be taking a prayerful and conversational look at the Gospel lesson assigned to the coming Sunday. If you wish, you can preview the lessons at Lectionary Page. The remaining Mondays in Easter Season are April 25; May 2, 9. For more information, visit www.saintjamesgreenfield.org.
GREENFIELD — “Monday Night Compline in Easter Season: A Nightcap for the Soul,” will take place on Mondays during Easter Season at 8 p.m., in Saint James Church, 8 Church St. Compline is descended from the night prayers said before bed at the end of the monastic round of daily prayer. It is a simple office including a confession of sins, one or more psalms, a short reading from scripture, versicles and responses, the Lord’s Prayer, silence, along with free intercessions and thanksgivings, and collects which ask for God’s protection during the night to come. Continues: April 25; May 2, 9. For more information, www.saintjamesgreenfield.org.
CHARLEMONT — The Charlemont Federated Church will hold its annual meeting following the May 1st Sunday service. Pie and fellowship follows.
ASHFIELD — The First Congregational Church of Ashfield is hosting its 12th annual Celebration of Marriage Equality in Massachusetts on Saturday, May 14 at 7 p.m. The event will include music, poetry and personal testimonials addressing the importance and legitimacy of gay marriage. Special guests are members of the LGBT Asylum Support Task Force. Open to everyone. Please bring finger-foods to share. Tea, coffee and cake will be provided. For more information, call 413-625-6967 or 628-4523.
GREENFIELD — All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Greenfield (399 Main St.) will hold the 14th annual Anti-Racism Film Festival on Sunday, May 22, starting at 1:15 p.m. Admission is free. The sponsors say, “We hope the festival will help to serve as a bridge promoting tolerance and collaboration as we build a community that is strong, healthy and respectful of differences. Facilitated discussion to follow films. Free child care. Two films on racism — “Hate Crimes in the Heartland” and “White like Me” — will be shown at 1:15 p.m., and one film “Latinos Beyond Reel” will be shown at 3:45 p.m. At 6 p.m., a supper of local foods will be served; sliding scale donation of $4 to $10. At 7 p.m., Powwow Highway will be shown. For more information, call 413-772-0003.
CHARLEMONT — Charlemont Federated Church invites public input on the church’s long-range planning, according to Rev. Cara Hochhalter. “Under the facilitation of David Specht, the church will be embarking on a series of three conversations around who we have been, where we are not and how we want to move into the future. We know that many people in the surrounding communities have been involved in the church in a variety of ways. We welcome their input and invite them to attend any or all of the following sessions.”
#1: “Our Living History and Packing for the Journey,” Sunday, May 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with potluck lunch OR Monday, May 23, 6 to 8:30 p.m., with pizza.
#2: “Mapping the Present Moment and Trends that may shape our future,” Sunday, June 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., OR Monday, June 27, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
#3: “Excursions into our Future,” Sunday, July 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., OR Monday, July 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
You may call the church office (413-339-4292) to sign up or ask questions.