GILL — A benefit concert for Gill Church will feature a special performance by renowned Pioneer Valley singer/songwriter Norman Schell at the Gill Church, 6 Center Road, on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. A contribution of $10 will be asked to help defray the cost of the new handicapped-access addition to the church. However, organizers say no one will be turned away for lack of funds. The performance will include such Christian favorites as “Eternal Father,” “Amazing Grace” and “Green Pastures” as well as Schell’s compositions, “The Hand Upon the Tiller,” Not Enough Time,” “By the Banks of Stormy Jordan” and “Oh Jerusalem.” For more information, call 413-768-9543.
WHATELY — The 10 a.m. Sunday morning worship at Whately Congregational Church, 177 Chestnut Plain Road, will feature a brass quartet playing special music: Joella Gallo, French horn; Jeri Bannister, trombone; David Miller, trumpet; and Paul Allis, tuba. Harvest produce collected will be sent to the Survival Center.
NORTHFIELD — On Sunday, Nov. 24, at First Parish of Northfield, Unitarian, we will tell stories about Thanksgiving. You are invited to join in our celebration, which will be designed to be inclusive of people of all ages. This service will include communion, a story about freedom and gratitude and how these can inspire generosity as well as some of your personal stories, if you are willing to share. All are welcome to the 10 a.m. service held in the historic sanctuary on the corner of Parker Avenue and Main Street.
GREENFIELD — Eveline MacDougall will speak on the topic of “Gratitude for Brave Souls” at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 10:30 a.m. MacDougall is founder and director of “Fiery Hope” chorus group, formerly known as “Amandla” and is the author of “Fiery Hope.” Laura Josephs will provide music. Coffee hour to follow the service. The church is on the corner of Main and Hope streets.
BERNARDSTON — Sunday, Nov. 24, Barry Deitz will lead “A Thanksgiving Service” followed by a potluck luncheon. Bring a dish to share for lunch and a canned good for our Thanksgiving community care package. Coffee at 11 a.m., service at 11:30 a.m. Lynne Walker will provide music. Art show of local landscape oil paintings by Karen Evans and watercolors by Mary Glabach Field.
GREENFIELD — Winter indoor labyrinth walks start this Sunday at 4 p.m. in the parish hall of the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, on the corner of Federal and Church streets; the parish hall is directly behind. The theme for this month is mindfulness and there will be a short reflection on this topic before walking. We hope you will join us for this quiet time of renewal and thanksgiving.
ASHFIELD — On Sunday, Nov. 24, at 11:30 a.m., the First Congregational Church, 429 Main St., will host a medicine-making party to prepare herbal medicines for a Springfield health clinic that serves immigrant farm workers and their families. Participants in Ashfield will mix and bag tea blends, make herbal salves and prepare other medicines for wellness support. After the session in Ashfield, the medicines will be distributed at an upcoming clinic in Springfield. For more information: Leslie Chaison, 413-369-4020.
LAKE PLEASANT — The National Spiritual Alliance (TNSA) is holding a Psychic Fair on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our readers are at the top of their field and use a variety of divination modalities including Tarot, channeling, art and mediumship. Reiki healing is also available by a Reiki Master and certified spiritual healer. A 20-minute reading or healing is $20. TNSA Thompson Memorial Temple is a Spiritualist church located at 2 Montague Avenue in Lake Pleasant, a village in Montague. http://spiritualallianceusa.org
PETERSHAM — Services at the Petersham Unitarian Universalist Church will be led by Hattie Nestel on Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m. The local community knows Ms. Nestel as a peace activist, champion of social issues and feminist, but her homily will center on her religious journey in Reconstructionist Judaism.
There will be sharing and refreshments following the service.
GREENFIELD — Children and adults can make ornaments, yule logs, door sprays and more to cheer your home. 11 a.m., immediately following worship at Second Congregational Church, 16 Court Square. All are welcome.
TURNERS FALLS — Enjoy a Christmas Carol Sing and Concert on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at Ja’Duke Performing Arts Center, 110 Industrial Blvd. Featured is 4D1G Gospel Quartet, the Valley Revival Choir, Dennis Ainsworth on piano and other special guests. Free admission.
SHUTESBURY — Shutesbury Community Church will hold a community tree lighting and visit by Santa Claus at 5 p.m. on Dec. 8 on the Common. The event will include carol singing inside the church, the arrival of Santa, lighting of the tree on the Common, and children’s visits with Santa back inside the church. Cocoa, coffee and refreshments will be available. All are welcome.
Volunteers are also needed to decorate the tree at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7. For more information, contact Pastor Mark Ellis at (413) 349-8444 or email him at shutesburychurch@gmail.com. The tree has been donated by Ethan Stone of West Brook Tree Farm of Athol.
GREENFIELD — Join in telling the story of Jesus’s birth at the Second Congregational Church, 16 Court Square. All are welcome to have a role or to be in the audience. One rehearsal at 3 p.m., followed by the pageant (with costumes) at 4 p.m. Then stay for a Mac’n’ Cheese dinner for everyone right after the pageant. Musicians encouraged and music is provided.
GREENFIELD — A special service for those seeking wholeness and peace during a season of festivity, 7 p.m., at Second Congregational Church, 16 Court Square. This Blue Christmas service gives the opportunity to feel the hope, love and peace of the Advent season in a subdued and reflective setting. Candle lighting, silence and music are part of this service.
COLRAIN — “CHRISTMAS IN COLRAIN” is a free concert at the First Baptist Church on Foundry Village Road. Concert starts at 2 p.m. and includes free refreshments.