BUCKLAND — There will be a Gospel Hymn Sing and Concert at the Mohawk Trail Regional School auditorium today at 6 p.m. Come sing your gospel hymn favorites and enjoy music by the “4D1G Gospel Quartet” and the “Valley Revival Choir” and others. Free admission.
GREENFIELD — Please join us to remember those who have died from the recent violence and to mourn with those who have lost friends, colleagues and loved ones. Police officers, first responders, members of the black community, members of the LGBT community, parents, children, all are invited to join us on the lawn at St. James Church on Federal Street on Saturday, July 23 at 4 p.m. and be part of the community. We hope to see you there. There is no place for hate in Greenfield. For more information: 413-773-3925.
CHARLEMONT — Charlemont Federated Church invites public input on the church’s long-range planning, according to Rev. Cara Hochhalter. “We know that many people in the surrounding communities have been involved in the church in a variety of ways. We welcome input from the community as we do some ‘time travel’ into the future and think about our church. Please join us for worship on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 9:30 a.m., followed by conversation and potluck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.” You may call the church office (413-339-4292) to sign up or ask questions.
NORTHFIELD — Continuing this Sunday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m., Community Bible Church will offer the third lesson of an 8-week “Christianity Explored” course. Participants are welcome to enter the group mid-course and may attend as many or as few of the classes as they are able. This informal course will explore the life of Jesus — who he is, why he came, and what it means to follow him — as written in the gospel of Mark. There will be lots of time for questions and a short DVD will accompany each lesson. Last week, the group discussed Mark chapters 1 and 2. This week, the class will look at Mark chapters 3 to 5 and address these questions: “Why does God seem harsh in the Old Testament and forgiving in the New Testament?” and “What is the nature of free will?” The group will meet at the church building at the corner of Route 63 and South Mountain Road (781 Millers Falls Road). For more information, contact Bob Emberley at rwemberley@gmail.com or call 413-498-4404. The course and materials are free. No one who attends is required to enter into the group discussion or share with the group. You are welcome to just listen.
LEYDEN — “Following Jesus: A Study of First John,” with Perry Fuller, meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m., through Aug. 3, at Leyden United Methodist Church, 15 West Leyden Road. “The Bible book of First John shows us how to follow the Way, learn the Truth and experience the life of Christianity,” say the organizers. “We look forward to studying side by side with you!” For more information, call 413-773-3548.
GREENFIELD — St. James Church on Federal Street will be hosting monthly indoor labyrinth walks in their Parish Hall. The monthly walks are available to the general public from 4 to 5 p.m. every fourth Sunday. The next walk is July 24.
Walking a labyrinth is an ancient practice found in countries around the world. No one is sure of its exact origins or uses, but the labyrinth is still found around the world and is used in a variety of ways to deepen lives and as a place of celebration and ritual. Elise Schlaikjer, chair of the organizing committee, says, “It is a place to meditate and pray, a way to find peace and serenity and a way to address questions that are on your heart.”
For more information, call St. James at 413-773-3925 or Elise Schlaikjer at 773-1683.
ASHFIELD — Come to St. John’s Church Community Picnic, Aug. 4.
NORTHFIELD — Trinitarian Congregational Church will continue its third-Saturday “New Day” casual worship service on Aug. 20, from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Rev. Julie Olmsted, pastor of Trinitarian Congregational Church, and her husband, Jeff Olmsted, will lead the service. Jeff Olmsted is choir director of Haydenville Congregational Church. He has been conducting chants from the Christian as well as other faiths for many years. The church is located at 147 Main St. For more information, call 413-498-2431 or email tccucc@verizon.net.
SEND YOUR NEWS to
religion@recorder.com.
Deadline: Thursday