NORTHFIELD — Days of Awe: Rachel Katz and Rev. Evin Carvill Ziemer will mark the Jewish high holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and explore the theme of repentance at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, at First Parish of Northfield, Unitarian. Religious education for children and youth will be available. All are welcome at the historic First Parish sanctuary on the corner of Parker Avenue and Main Street.
BERNARDSTON — Sunday, Sept. 29, 11:30 a.m. Learn some new songs on immigration and the Seven UU Principles with singer/songwriter Jim Scott. Coffee starts at 11 a.m. All are welcome. This is an intergenerational program.
View new artwork on our gallery walls by Karen Evans. Get a peek at Evans’ unique local landscape paintings at karenevanspaintings.com, then come see them in person at the Meetinghouse Sunday. Art sales benefit the Arts & Activism Programs.
Also showing works by various artists on the theme of “Music in our Lives.”
www.bernardstonunitarian.org
GREENFIELD — On Sunday, Sept. 29, Mary Ann Adams will speak on “Practicing Gratitude.” Laura Josephs will provide music for this service. We are being welcomed to meet at the Pushkin Art Gallery at 4 Federal St. as our building is undergoing construction. Please enter via the Federal Street door with ramp for accessibility. Service is at 10:30 a.m.
GREENFIELD — Temple Israel has a full schedule of services, meals and celebrations for the High Holidays. All are welcome to join all or part of these community gatherings. No tickets needed, but donations gratefully accepted. Events are at Temple Israel, 27 Pierce St., unless otherwise noted. For more details, visit www.templeisraelgreenfield.org.
The Jewish New Year runs from the evening of Sunday, Sept. 29, until the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 1. On Sunday, Sept. 29, join us at 5:15 p.m. for a family puppet show from Talking Hands Theatre, followed by a community meal and services. Rosh Hashanah services are Monday, Sept. 30, and Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 9:30 a.m. Child care offered from 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 30. Tashlich will be observed at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area at 4 p.m. on Sept. 30.
The Day of Atonement begins the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 8, with a Kol Nidre service at 6 p.m. A day of prayer and reflection is planned for Yom Kippur on Oct. 9 beginning at 9:15 a.m. Child care offered from 10 a.m. to noon; children’s service at 11 a.m.
Oct. 3: Climate Crisis and Faith
ASHFIELD — The First Congregational Church (UCC) and St. John’s Episcopal Church of Ashfield are co-sponsoring a discussion about climate change and faith on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the First Congregational Church on Main Street. The event will start with a locavore potluck (using local ingredients) at 6 p.m., followed by a program from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Bullitt Jonas will speak about “Earth Care, Soul Care: Reflections from the Front Lines,” a look at how we must care for ourselves while we do the work of addressing climate change. Bullitt-Jonas serves as the Missioner for Creation Care for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. The event is free and open to the public.
TURNERS FALLS — A blessing of pets will take place Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. in the Peace Garden at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 7th St. This annual blessing is in honor of St. Francis, patron of animals and creation. Refreshments will be served.
GREENFIELD — On Sunday, Oct. 6, during the 8 and 10 a.m. services at the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, we will bless our pets, backyard farm animals, stuffed animals and photos of our pets during our worship services. Every creature is beloved by God; bring yours to be blessed. 8 Church St. To learn more, call 413-773-3925 or www.saintsjamesandandrew.org.
ATHOL — The 4D1G Ministries will be having its end-of-year concert at the Athol Orange Baptist Church, 260 Walnut St., Athol, Saturday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m. The 4D1G Quartet will sing several Southern Gospel songs about the love God has for us and the Valley Revival Choir will bring sweet harmony to songs revealing the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. There will also be vocals by Rachel Ainsworth and a solo by 4D1G band member Marc Guillmette. Come and enjoy an afternoon of music with the 4D1G ministries.
DEERFIELD — “The Brick Church” Music Series held at The First Church of Deerfield, 71 Old Main St., will present the Adaskin String Trio in concert on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 3 p.m. This is the first of four fundraising concerts to be held at the church. There is a suggested donation of $10 to $20 at the door, with a reception following the concert in the Caswell Library at Deerfield Academy.
This celebrated trio, originally from Canada, now based in New England, plays exuberant and stirring performances to audiences internationally. The repertoire will be music by Beethoven, Michael White and Engelbert Roentgen.
For further information, call 413-774-2657.
SHELBURNE FALLS — On Friday, Oct. 11, at 4:30 p.m., on The Green at Shelburne Falls Farmers Market, Trinity Church will have a Blessing of the Animals. Bring “well behaved and properly restrained” animals from farm and field, hearth and home. All are welcome, whatever the faith of animals or humans. The green is located at the corner of Main and Water streets. For more information, call 413-625-2341.
CONWAY — The October monthly movie night educational series will present “Blessings: The Tsoknyi Nangchen Nuns of Tibet,” directed by Victress Hitchcock, narrated by Richard Gere. 7 p.m. at 18 Schoolhouse Road.
GREENFIELD — “Jews and Allies: An Interfaith Workshop,” sponsored by The Interfaith Council of Franklin County, will take place Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6:15 p.m., at the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew at 8 Church St. A potluck dinner will precede the program at 5:30 p.m.
The classic example of divide and conquer, anti-Semitism has been used for centuries to separate groups of people from each other. This mechanism continues to derail our work for social justice today. In this interactive workshop, Jews and allies will learn to recognize and counteract anti-Semitism. We will explore the roots of anti-Semitism, why it is so confusing and hard to talk about, and what it means to be an ally, including how it makes your life better and how to take a stand against blame, isolation and terror. Trainers are Amy Leos-Urbel and Betsy L. Ames. All are welcome.