NORTHFIELD — Learn about “Islamic Art and Architecture” from local expert, The Rev. Ted Thornton, in a free program at the Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., on Tuesday, July 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thornton will discuss the history and influence of the contributions that Islamic culture has made to global civilization.
Programming Librarian Matt Atwood says, “At our contemporary moment in global politics, religious differences can exacerbate conflicts, and religious minorities can be easily misunderstood. Step away from politics for an evening and learn to appreciate some incredible works of art from a retired teacher of religion who makes his home in our community, but who has spent years learning and traveling in predominantly Muslim regions.” Call the library at 413-498-2455 with any questions.
GREENFIELD — Temple Israel is hosting a four-week storytelling workshop in preparation for Tisha B’Av, the Jewish holiday of mourning and hope. The workshops will be led by Maggid David Arfa and Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener. All levels of experience are invited. We’ll use story circles, personal reflection, texts, art and time outdoors to find our own stories of brokenness and of hope. By the end, we will create one long story filled with both personal and mythic images, naming our grief and activating radical hope to share at our community Tisha B-av Service. Wednesdays, July 12, 18 and 26 at 7 p.m., and Tisha B’Av, Monday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Fee is $45 for Temple members, $60 for nonmembers; scholarships available. To register or for more information: office@templeisraelgreenfield.org or call 413-773-5884.
SOUTH DEERFIELD — “Bloom: A Place for Girls,” which is a Teen Challenge program for teenage girls, will be presenting their stories of victory over life-controlling issues at Valley Life Church on Sunday, July 16, at 10:30 a.m. The church meets at Frontier Regional School, 113 North Main St. For more information, contact Revs. Douglas & Peggy Belanger at 413-297-0433.
HALIFAX, Vt. — This Sunday, at the Halifax Union Society, the Rev. Dr. Marcia Dorey will explore the Old Testament story of Abraham, the first of the Hebrew patriarchs. The services begins at 6 p.m. at the church near the crossroads in Halifax Center. Merrillyn Courser plays request hymns on the Carpenter reed organ. The Society supports the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry and donations of nonperishable food items are encouraged. The Halifax Union Society is nondenominational and all are invited to attend.
BUCKLAND — Mary Lyon Church is one of several local organizations hosting “A Summer Day on the Buckland Common,” which will be held Saturday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is being held on the historic Buckland Center Common at the corner of Upper and Cross streets in front of the Mary Lyon Church and at other venues along Upper Street in Buckland Center. The day’s activities will include entertainment, book sales, a free band concert at 1 p.m., tag, art and craft sales, displays, demonstrations, Early American children’s games, tours and more. A lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs will be available. Buckland Blueberry Buckle will be available all day. For more information, call Douglas Mollison at 413-628-3231.
Book study continues Tuesday
NORTHFIELD — Global activist, pastor and theologian Brian McLaren claims that the Christian faith is not dying, but rather is “embarking on a once-in-an-era spiritual shift.” We invite all to join us in the lounge (side door) at Trinitarian Congregational Church for lively discussions of McLaren’s new book, “The Great Spiritual Migration.” Books can be purchased at any bookstore. Even if you don’t have the book, you may enjoy our thoughtful conversations. Continues July 25 and Aug. 8. The church is at 147 Main St.
New Day service: Saturday, July 15 in Northfield
NORTHFIELD — Trinitarian Congregational Church (147 Main St.) will resume its Saturday services July 15 with the New Day Silence and Song Service from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Services are comprised of repetitive chants (mostly Christian, some from other faith traditions) followed by short periods of silence. A wisdom reading and opening words will start the service. Communion concludes the Gathering. Join us on the second Saturday of the month.
GREENFIELD — Walk the labyrinth on the fourth Sunday of the month at 4 p.m., at Sts. James and Andrew Episcopal Church, 8 Church St., Greenfield.
GREENFIELD — On Sunday, Aug. 13, Saints James and Andrew Episcopal Church will have one combined service at 9 a.m. under a tent on the lawn, at 8 Church St. The Rev. Heather Blais says, “We will sing a cappella camp hymns and worship God, followed by helping our Vacation Bible School Director Marie Paquette transform our campus for VBS, which will begin later that evening. After we have transformed our campus, we will have a potluck parish picnic on the lawn. All are invited and welcome. Questions? Visit www.saintsjamesandandrew.org or call 413-773-3925.