NORTHFIELD — Community Bible Church of Northfield will be offering a Bible survey course each week beginning this Sunday, Feb. 19, at 4:30 p.m. The course will look at the major themes of each book of the Bible. Emphasis will be given to discovering the unifying message of the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. Pastor Bob Emberley will lead the classes and all materials needed will be provided. Two classes will be devoted to each Bible book, beginning with Genesis. All are welcome to attend and do not have to be present at the first class, but can pick up the course at any point. Community Bible Church is at 781 Millers Falls Road, at the corner of South Mountain Road and Route 63. For more information, email Bob Emberley at rwemberley@gmail.com or call 413-498-4404.
GILL — Lee-Ellen Strawn, chaplain at Northfield Mount Hermon School, having passed her Ecclesiastical Council appearance, will be ordained as a minister in the United Church of Christ on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m., at the Memorial Chapel at Northfield Mount Hermon School. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend.
BERNARDSTON — Barry Deitz will give a talk on “Louisa May Alcott: Not a ‘Little Woman,’” inspired by a recent church Transcendental Nostalgia trip to Concord sites and the home of Alcott. Sunday, Feb. 26, 11:30 (coffee at 11 a.m.), at Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse. For more information: www.bernardstonunitarian.org
CHARLEMONT — “Animals of the North: What Will Global Climate Change Mean for Them?” featuring renowned naturalist and animal tracker Susan Morse of Keeping Track, Inc., will be presented Sunday, Feb. 26 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St. This program is free and open to the public, although donations are welcome. Sponsored by Charlemont Federated Church and Tyler Memorial Library. For more information, call 413-339-4294.
GREENFIELD — On Ash Wednesday, March 1, Saint James Episcopal Church will be offering “Ashes To Go,” a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 3 to 4 p.m., near the corner of Church and Federal streets, in front of Saint James. During that same time period, says Rev. Heather Blais, we will also be walking around downtown and will offer the imposition of ashes on anyone that would like to receive them. In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Contact Rev. Blais at 413-773-3925 for more information.
GREENFIELD — All are welcome to attend a six-week Lenten adult study at The Robbins Memorial Congregational Church, 55 Munson St., on John Ortberg’s “Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You.” The DVD and discussion study meets on six consecutive Thursdays beginning March 2 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. In “Soul Keeping,” Ortberg helps Christians rediscover their soul as the best connection to God there is and find out why it’s hurting and why neglecting it has set so many believers so far back spiritually.
Park and enter through the rear of the church.
ASHFIELD — St. John’s Episcopal Church, at Main and South streets, will hold an after-church discussion series led by Sara Jonsberg, “Racism and the Episcopal Church. Church service starts at 10. The after-church series continues March 19 and April 2.
NORTHAMPTON — The Shang Shung Institute of Tibetan Studies, based in Conway, presents “Spring Yantra Yoga — Tibetan Yoga of Movement,” beginners series, on Monday nights, March 6 through April 10, in Northampton. $12 per session; $10 for seniors and students. For details, contacct: mkacurova@gmail.com or secretary@shangshung.org
WHATELY — “Views from the Desert,” the 20th annual ecumenical Lenten discussion series, begins Wednesday, March 8, at the Whately Congregational Church, 177 Plain Road, at 7 p.m. Fr. Randy Calvo will present the first discussion, “My blood of the covenant” (Matt. 26:28). Please bring your Bible. Refreshments will be served after the gathering. All are welcome.
Ecumenical Lenten Discussion Series continues March 15
SOUTH DEERFIELD — “Views from the Desert,” the 20th annual ecumenical Lenten discussion series, continues Wednesday, March 15, at the Holy Name of Jesus Church, 15 Thayer St., at 7 p.m. Rev. Dr. Cynthia Crosson Harrington will present the second discussion, “When God Surprises.” Refreshments will be served after the gathering. All are welcome.
Ecumenical Lenten Discussion Series continues March 22
SUNDERLAND — “Views from the Desert,” the 20th annual ecumenical Lenten discussion series, continues Wednesday, March 22, at the Sunderland Congregational Church, 91 S. Main St., at 7 p.m. Rev. Barbara Turner Delisle will present the third discussion, “Sand between Your Toes.” Refreshments will be served after the gathering. All are welcome.
ASHFIELD — The Hilltown Chautauqua of Western Massachusetts will present “Civitas: A Celebration of Democracy,” at St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Curtis House and the First Congregational Church, all in Ashfield, on April 22-23. The Hilltown Chautauqua explores pressing issues of American life in programs that combine noted speakers, panels, debates, interviews and the arts. Box office opens March 1. For more information: info@hilltownchautaugua.org
Ecumenical Lenten Discussion Series continues March 29
MONTAGUE — “Views from the Desert,” the 20th annual ecumenical Lenten discussion series, continues Wednesday, March 29, at the Montague Congregational Church, 4 North St., at 7 p.m. Rev. Dr. Candice Ashenden will present the fourth discussion, “In the Midst.” Refreshments will be served after the gathering. All are welcome.
Ecumenical Lenten Discussion Series concludes April 5
CONWAY — “Views from the Desert,” the 20th annual ecumenical Lenten discussion series, concludes Wednesday, April 5, at the Conway Congregational Church, 44 Whately Road, at 7 p.m. Rev. Barbara Seamon will present the final discussion. Refreshments will be served after the gathering. All are welcome.
Khaita — Tibetan Joyful Dancing:
Tuesdays evenings
CONWAY — All are welcome to enjoy Khaita — Tibetan Joyful Dancing, Tuesday evenings from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., at 18 Schoolhouse Road in Conway. Free and fun! Please call or email first to confirm: 413-369-4473 or secretary@shangshung.org
ASHFIELD — St. John’s Church in Ashfield offers Centering Prayer from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at the parish house across Main Street. It welcomes people across faiths and requires no special experience.