Richard Chase at Coffeehouse Concert, tonight at 7
ORANGE — Singer/songwriter Richard Chase will perform at First Universalist Church’s Coffeehouse Concert on Saturday, March 11, at 7 p.m. Chase is well known for his superbly crafted songs and accomplished musicianship. Donation: $10. Desserts and beverages will be available. The church is at 31 North Main St.
GREENFIELD — St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Long Avenue invites all to join them for a Celtic Music Service followed by a Carnival on Sunday, March 12, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Ragged Blue, with musicians John Rough, Corki Demers, Terry Atkinson and Larry Pion, will play Celtic music and hymns that make for a very special service. Afterwards, there will be a potluck lunch, hot dogs, snow cones, helium balloons, face painting and more. A mime will entertain all ages with humor and playful audience participation. All are welcome.
GREENFIELD — The Eventide Singers present their annual benefit concert on Sunday, March 26, at 3 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 43 Silver St., in Greenfield. Eventide’s concerts invite, provoke, cajole and east the listener into the mystery of life and death. Music director Joe Toritto has put together an eclectic program of 20 songs illustrating the wide range of music Eventide has in its repertoire. Suggested donation: $12 to $15. Proceeds from the benefit concert are for the First Congregational Church of Greenfield as a way of thanking the church for hosting Eventide rehearsals. For more information, call 413-774-5828 or email joetoritto@yahoo.com.
DEERFIELD — “The Brick Church” Music Series at The First Church of Deerfield, 71 Old Main St., will present Dr. Patricia Snyder, organist, on Sunday, March 26 at 3 p.m. She will be playing the church’s “gem of an organ” built by Richards, Fowkes Organ Builders. This is a fundraiser for the church, with a suggested donation of $10 at the door. A reception will follow. Dr. Snyder is Director of Music Ministry at Storrs Congregational Church on the University of Connecticut campus. A prize-winner of many competitions, she presents recitals in Canada, Europe, Japan and the U.S., and has taught organ at Mr. Holyoke and Smith colleges and UMass. For further information, contact Jean Pitman Turner, artistic director, at 413-774-2657.
Group discussion on
social engagement: March 16
ORANGE — On Thursday, March 16, at 6 p.m., a book and discussion group will center on the ethical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of social engagement. The group will begin by reading the recent book by Rev. Dr. William Barber titled “The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Division and Fear.” The first meeting of the group will take place in fellowship hall of The Community Church of North Orange and Tully. For more information, contact Rev. Don Erickson at doneri@gmail.com or visit www.ccnoat.org.
TURNERS FALLS — Our Lady of Peace Church says, “Make this Lent one to remember by joining us on Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m. for the Mystery Players from Immaculate Heart Central School in Watertown, N.Y., who will present “The Way of the Cross.” Since 1981, IHC seniors have been bringing the stories of Jesus’ birth and death on the Cross during the Advent and Lenten seasons. Their performances combine an austere but dramatically effective use of acting narration, music and lighting to captivate audiences of all ages. Admission is free and there will be a free-will offering. Our Lady of Peace Church is located at 90 Seventh St.
CHARLEMONT — Charlemont Forum and Rowe Center invite you to attend Trinity Institute, an annual conference that is webcast live from New York City. The location this year will be The Academy at Charlemont. Come hear speakers and participate in discussions around water justice and water as sacred gift. On Wednesday evening, local speakers will be water protectors Ashley Berry and Rhonda Anderson, an Inupiaq-Athabaskan Native American who now lives in Colrain. Suggested donation is $25. To register, contact trinitycharlemont@gmail.com or Pam Porter at 413-337-5525. Charlemont Forum is an outreach of the Charlemont Federated Church.
ORANGE — For Sunday service on March 19 at 9 a.m., The Community Church of North Orange and Tully will host a “Wendell Berry Sabbath Gathering,” featuring the Sabbath poems of poet, farmer and environmentalist Wendell Berry. Pastor Don Erickson will discuss how sustainable farming presents society with a working model for forging compassionate and just communities. CCNOT’s neighbor, The Farm School and its string band, The West hill Woodcutters, will provide special music. For more information, contact Rev. Don Erickson at doneri@gmail.com or visit www.ccnoat.org.
GREENFIELD — Temple Israel will offer a weekend of Art, Creativity and Community, Friday through Sunday, March 24-26. For more information, visit templeisraelgreenfield.org/events/art-creativity-community.
GREENFIELD — “Walking in the Wilderness: A Series of Lenten Labyrinth Walks,” will take place Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., starting March 8 and ending April 5, at St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall (accessible from the 55 Federal St. parking lot). There will be music and Christian liturgical readings. All people welcome, religious or not, for rest and relaxation, for reflection and repentance. For more information, email Elise Schlaikjer at roselise@verizon.net.
NORTHFIELD — The weekly Bible survey course at Community Bible Church of Northfield will continue this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Pastor Bob Emberley will lead the classes and all materials will be provided. All are welcome to attend and do not need to have attended previous classes, 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.
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 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The next session is set for March 16. 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, continues on Monday nights through April 10, in Northampton. $12 per session; $10 for seniors and students. For details, contacct: mkacurova@gmail.com or secretary@shangshung.org
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.
GREENFIELD — “White Helmets,” a film about the people who risk their lives to rescue others after bombings in Syria, will be shown on Monday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at Second Congregational Church, Court Square. Michael Cane, co-founder of Valley Syrian Relief, will speak after the 40-minute film. Co-sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Franklin County and Temple Israel, Greenfield.
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 explore the roots of democracy in “Civitas: A Celebration of Democracy,” Saturday, April 22, at St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Curtis House B&B. Civitas will feature three nationally known writer-scholars and intellectuals: Stephen Marini, professor and chairman of religious studies at Wellesley College; Randall Balmer, professor and chairman of religious studies at Dartmouth College, and Amy Kittelstrom, associate professor of history at Sonoma State College (Calif.). After the morning talks, a bag lunch will be provided at the Gloriosa & Co. B&B. In late afternoon, over tea, the Chautauqua will have a semi-staged reading and, in the evening, a concert of early American music by Norumbega Harmony. For ticketing and further information, visit www.hilltownchautauqua.org or call David Perkins at 413-634-5716.
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.