TURNERS FALLS — A Blessings of Pets in honor of St. Francis, patron of all animals, creation and the environment, will be Saturday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. in the Peace Garden at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh St. There will be a reception to follow with goodies for everyone.
BERNARDSTON — “Zombies” is the topic of Rev. Jean Wahlstrom Sunday at the 11:30 a.m. service of Bernardston Unitarian Church in the historic 1739 Meetinghouse. “Halloween — when it is said the veil is thin between the worlds. Election Day nears, night falls early, leaves whirl in the wind. Let’s look at how we brave, avoid or make light of the things that scare us.” Music by Lynne Walker.
BERNARDSTON — Plan ahead for “Transcendental Nostalgia,” with guides Rev. Steve Wilson, Dan Tinen and Barry Deitz on Saturday, Nov. 5. “We will visit Fruitlands, Walden Pond, the Manse, Poet’s Ridge, and the Emerson and Alcott homesteads. Meet at the church at 9 a.m. for van and carpooling, and return at 6 p.m. Bring lunch money for a special lunch at the Colonial Inn. This is not to be missed if you follow the Transcendental Unitarian Heroes: Thoreau, Emerson, Parker, Fuller, the Alcotts, etc. You must sign up by calling 413-330-0807 and leave a contact number in case of bad weather postponement.”
GREENFIELD — Join Rev. Denise DeSimone, author, speaker, mentor and minister, at Unity in the Pioneer Valley, 43 Silver St., on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. Rev. DeSimone approached her Stage IV throat and neck cancer traetment using her own unique combination of alternative therapies and allopathic medicine, a deep belief in “the possible” and in God. Denise was given three months to live — that was eight years ago. Following the service, Rev. DiSimone will give a Sound Healing workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Workshop love offering: $20.
ASHFIELD — The Madrigal Group will begin meeting Tuesdays starting Nov. 1 from 6 to 7:15 p.m., until Dec. 20, at “The Corner,” parish house of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 469 Main St. For information or to sign up, call Beth Sperry at 413-286-0396
ASHFIELD — Join us for a dinner and discussion, 6 to 8:30 p.m., on “The Stories of Early Genesis and the Saga of the Patriarchs and Matariarchs,” at “The Corner” parish house of st. John’s Episcopal Church at 469 Main St. A simple supper is served at 6 p.m., followed by discussion led by Michael Corrigan, Episcopal priest, retired Chaplain of Northfield Mount Hermon School, and member of St. John’s. Please reserve a free dinner by emailing stjohnsasifleld@gmail.com. Invite your friends and neighbors! No need to have attended previous sessions.
GREENFIELD — A Service of Light: Choral Evensong that will feature music, prayer and meditation to lighten the burden and enlighten the heart, will take place on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m., at Saint James Episcopal Church on the corner of Federal and Church streets. The event is free, though donation to support the music program are welcome. All are invited to attend and take part in the service. For more information: www.saintjamesgreenfield.org.
GREENFIELD — Saint James Church, 8 Church St., will be open for an Election Day Vigil from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The space will be open for anyone who wants a moment of prayer, reflection or meditation. The church will also include prayers for the election in our worship services the weekend of Nov. 5/6. For more information, call 413-773-3925 or visit www.saintjamesgreenfield.org.
NORTHFIELD — The Trinitarian Congregational church presents the second annual Clergy Cabaret on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m., featuring the croonings and comedy of David Neil, Will Sencabaugh, Julie and Jeff Olmsted and Patter Field and Ted Thornton. Appetizers and beverage will be served. $12 per person in advance; $15 at the door. You may bring your own wine, if you wish. For reservations or more information, call the church office at 413-498-5839. Tickets will also be available from participating clergy.
DEERFIELD — Music and Verse in a Sacred Space returns to the First Church of Deerfield on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. The choruses from Deerfield Academy will join forces with the Deerfield Cappella and Orchestra, under the direction of Thomas Pousont. Local Deerfield authors Melissa Dickey and Andy Stallings will read their own poetry. The choirs will present music of Bach, Brahms, Faure and Haydn centered around a theme of autumn and thanksgiving. This event is free and open to the public; all are invited to attend. For more information, please email director Thomas Pousont at deerfieldchoralscholars@gmail.com.
ASHFIELD — The Ecumenical West County Thanksgiving service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Main Street on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Those interested in joining the choir are invited to come at 6:30 p.m. to rehearse. Robert Jonas will deliver the homily.