GREENFIELD — This morning, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m., Second Congregational Church (on the common) will host a Remembrance of Thomas Keating, Cistercian priest and monk, and a founder of the Centering Prayer movement. Father Keating visited Second Church and Deerfield Academy in May 2007 to share his message of God’s presence in each of us and the healing power of silence. He was a beloved teacher and a model of selfless love and humility. The gathering will include 20 minutes of silent prayer, sharing of memories and viewing of his final video, “A Life Surrendered to Love.”
Second Church hosts centering prayer groups on Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and on Tuesday mornings from 7 to 8 a.m., and at The Arbors on Thursday afternoons at 3:45 p.m. All are welcome.
BERNARDSTON — Barry Deitz hosts a celebration of the Scottish bard, Robert Burns, whose poetry and song are celebrated around the world at this time each year: Saturday night, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse at 49 Church St. The Farley String Band will play Celtic tunes, while Scottish traditional treats and Burns verse are generously dished out. Come and enjoy the tradition. Donation at the door.
BERNARDSTON — The Arts & Activism Program at the Bernardston Unitarian Church, “Sail Away on the Craft of Pastel,” a hands-on art workshop by artist Gregory Maichack, will take place Sunday, Jan. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The workshop is close to full; however, some may not be able to attend the new date. So if you are interested, contact Annette Mackin at 413-330-0807 to participate. Funded by the Bernardston Local Cultural Council through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Arts & Activism Program at the 1739 Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse.
GREENFIELD — As we step into the new year, we often make promises to ourselves that we find hard to keep.
Our labyrinth walk this Sunday, Jan. 27, will focus on how to move forward in this new year and what are the resources we can use to support us. The walk starts at 4 p.m. in the parish hall of St. James and Andrew Episcopal Church, where we have a large canvas labyrinth, candlelight and soft music. Come walk with us: We welcome people new to walking a labyrinth as well as those who use it regularly. The church is at 8 Church St.
GREENFIELD — This Sunday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m., at All Souls UU Church, Laura Wagner, executive director of UU Mass. Action, will offer a sermon and a workshop, “Living Our Values,” which comes from her more than 25 years of social justice work.
Following the sermon, there will be a luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. for those attending the workshop and sermon. Please contact Molly Chambers at 413-773-5018 with any questions and if you plan to attend.
SHUTESBURY — Mark Ellis, pastor of Shutesbury Community Church, delivered two boxes of hats, scarves, gloves and mittens to Shutesbury Elementary School on Jan. 15, presenting the winter gear to Principal Jackie Mendonsa and several pupils.
In all, there were 33 pairs of gloves and mittens, 12 scarves, eight hats, one coat and one pair of snow pants.
It was the first time in recent memory that the church, located on the town common, has had such a collection. “We’re a small church, so we’re not able to do a lot of missions work,” Ellis said, “but we are eager to help where we can. This is a way we can help the school and local families.”
Ellis said the church also collects food from both parishioners and residents for monthly deliveries to the Orange Food Pantry. There is a food donation box for residents in the foyer of Shutesbury Post Office. “There is need even in the little town of Shutesbury,” Ellis said.
DEERFIELD — “The Brick Church” Music Series at The First Church of Deerfield will be presenting the renowned Atlantic Brass Quintet in concert on Sunday, Feb. 10, at 3 p.m. They specialize in repertoire spanning five centuries and a broad spectrum of styles from Bach to the Balkans. A suggested donation at the door is $10 to $20, with a reception following the concert in the Caswell Library at Deerfield Academy. For further information, contact Artistic Director Jean Pitman Turner at 413-774-2657.
AMHERST — The Karuna Center for Peacebuilding and Critical Connections will welcome former White House Fellow and public policy expert Dr. Theodore R. Johnson to the Jones Library (43 Amity St.) on Feb. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m., for the program, “How to Apologive for Slavery.” The event will grapple with the importance of reconciliation and redressing a long history of racism in practically moving forward. For more information or to RSVP, email leif.maynard@gmail.com.