TURNERS FALLS — A Christmas Concert, in preparation for the birth of the Lord, featuring the Schola Nova, the talented Pioneer Valley a cappella choir, will take place Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m., at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh St. The Choir will present a Service of Lessons and Carols, which is the Christmas Eve Service held each year at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England. This is an excellent way to get into the spirit of the season and a remarkable musical opportunity. There will be a free-will offering.
Christmas Carol Sing & Concert: Tonight at 6 in Greenfield
GREENFIELD — There will be a Christmas Carol Sing and Concert to be held at the Greenfield High School on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to this free event. We will be singing many of your favorite Christmas carols as well as selections from the 4D1G Gospel Quartet, Valley Revival Choir, Dennis Ainsworth on piano and other gifted singers and musicians.
BERNARDSTON — “First Saturdays with Steve,” a writing group led by Rev. Steve Wilson, is set for Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m., at the 1739 Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse, 49 Church St. New participants are welcome. Writing assignment: Write a story that involves you and a car.
All are welcome to First Saturdays Potluck at 5:30 p.m., followed by Open Mike.
SOUTH DEERFIELD — Come celebrate nearly 200 years of faithful worship and ministry of South Deerfield Congregational Church, in Rohrs Hall, Sunday, Dec. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. Share stories of the ways this congregation has touched and nurtured you spiritually. Reminisce with friends and church family. Enjoy a video slide show from past church activities, with light refreshments from the Black Sheep Deli.
The Doors of the building are closing, but the love of God that has been shared remains.
DEERFIELD — Dr. Scott Alexander, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of the Catholic-Muslim Studies Program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, will speak in the Stolzfus Toom, Greer Store in the Athletics Complex, on Monday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Dr. Alexander sits on the editorial board of The Journal of Islamic Law and Culture, and his scholarly work is currently focusing on the inherent contradiction between religious claims to universal truth and the religiously motivated desire to impose this truth on others as a means of political and cultural domination.
SHELBURNE FALLS — Are you looking for some comfort, peace and strength as we move into the season of winter and Christmas time? For many people, this is a tender and raw time. In recognition of these complex emotions and the turbulent times we are living through, you are invited to gather with others for a Blue Christmas Communion Service that will center on comfort, hope and consolation. Bring your full self and receive a gift of quiet reflection, prayer, candle lighting and peace in this time. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., at Trinity Church, 17 Severance St. Rev. Marguerite Sheehan and Rev. Dr. Jill Rierdan will preside. All are warmly welcome.
CHARLEMONT — Our group of book lovers will discuss “Into the Beautiful North” by Luis Alberto Urrea. All are welcome. Reading the book helpful but not essential. Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m., at Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St. 413-339-4294
NORTHFIELD — Trinitarian Congregational Church’s children and families will host “Muffins in a Manger” for Northfield’s Special Day, Saturday, Dec. 10, in front of the church from 9 to 10 a.m. Come enjoy a muffin, cocoa or coffee and continue on your Special Day route through the town.
ORANGE — Central Congregational Church of Orange, 93 South Main St., will sponsor the Dana Vespers Concert at 3:30 p.m., with spaghetti supper to follow. For more information, call 978-544-6895.
Help assemble mittens display
GREENFIELD — Saint James is collecting mittens to install in a display on their front lawn that the community will be invited to help assemble on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. and which will remain up for National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Week.
CHARLEMONT — “Under the Moon of Bethlehem.” Prue Berry will share reflections and photos from her recent trip to Israel and Palestine. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., at Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St.
GREENFIELD — On Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., the community is invited to gather on the fourth anniversary of Sandy Hook for a Community Gun Violence Prevention Vigil at Saint James Church, corner of Main and Church streets. For more information, call 413-773-3925.
VERNON, Vt. — The Vernon Advent Christian Church will hold its its annual Christmas School on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., for children ages Kindergarden through sixth grade. All children are invited to come and learn about the true meaning of Christmas through Bible stories, songs, crafts and games. Lunch will be provided. Pre-register by calling the church office at 802-257-2341.
WARWICK — Free Dana Vespers Concert, Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. in Metcalf Chapel of Trinitarian Congregational Church of Warwick, 32 Athol Road. Dana Vespers in a program supported by a memorial fund set up in the name of the First Church and Parish Society of North Dana, now under the waters of the Quabbin Reservoir. This concert will feature holiday music by the Pioneer Valley Brass Quintet.
CONWAY — Starting Sunday, Dec. 18, St. Marks Roman Catholic Mission mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings. All are welcome to come celebrate mass with our spiritual community. Our church is at 169 Delabarre Ave.
CHARLEMONT — Holiday SING with Alice Parker, 7 p.m. at Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St. Bring friends, family and, if you can, cookies!