This Sunday, July 26 at 10 a.m. - Feast of St. James and Leavetaking Liturgy
This year we are inviting the parish to celebrate one of our patron saints, James, by bringing a favorite oyster or scallop shell  (a symbol used to remind us of St. James), seashell, sea glass, or rocks smoothed out by the sea to decorate our altar. (Creating small shrines with these materials is a common tradition in Spain on the Feast of St. James). 


A special Coffee and Conversation to follow.

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August 23 at 10 a.m. - Blessing of the Backpacks
During worship, all students, teachers, and school staff are invited to come forward for a special blessing before the 2026-2027 school year begins. You are invited to bring a backpack, bag, or lunchbox.


Organ Fundraiser Update
As of now, we have received $13,770. This is a good start, but please consider a donation, if you haven’t given. We have the ‘Stops’ from the organ, which Peter has kindly offered to turn into key chains. For a donation of $10 or more you can have one; there are 34 left.
We encourage you to prayerfully consider how the organ shapes our life in Christ together, and make a contribution to secure the future of the organ at Saints James and Andrew. In that spirit, please share your support by check or by tithe.ly with ‘Organ Fund’ in the memo line.


Friendly Pledge Reminder
Often in the summer folks have different routines, and as a result pledge donations are not always sent into the church in the same timely manner. We encourage folks to please continue sending their pledge donations so we can stay on target with our budget. Thank you to everyone who has pledged to support this parish with donations of time, talent, and treasure. Your generosity is what makes the mission and ministry of this parish possible. 


Scams, Spoofs, and Phishing
A friendly reminder that more scammers are targeting clergy, staff, and lay leaders via email, phone, or text messages. Trusted leaders will never ask you to buy gift cards or send money via phone, text, or email or to email the directory. The only financial appeals we will put forth would be in an announcement in the leaflet, newsletter mailing list, or be a part of our annual giving campaign.


Safe Church Training
There is a new model for Safe Church Training in our diocese, being facilitated by Interim Safe Church Officer Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm and Safe Church Trainer Dan Carew. It requires watching modules at home through Praesidium, at your leisure, and then attending a 90 minute integration session for the first time attending safe church, or a 60 minute refresher (required every 3 years). Learn more here, and contact the office for SsJA’s Praesidium code to access modules. Safe church certificates should be forwarded to the office.


Newsletter and Leaflet Announcements
If you have information you would like shared in the worship leaflet or newsletter, please send items to the parish administrator via email. Deadline for inclusion in the upcoming publication is Thursday at noon.

Schedules

Sunday Worship Schedule
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we worship in the Whiteman Room as our sanctuary ceiling is under renovation this summer.  
July 19 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Heather Blais presider and Lay Preacher Julie Carew preacher
July 26 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Heather Blais presider and preacher; Leavetaking Liturgy 
August 2 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Rich Simpson presider and lay Preacher Dan Carew preacher
August 9 -- Morning Prayer; Lay Worship Leader Julie Carew, presider and Steve Houghton preacher
August 16 -- Lessons & Carols: Gospel & Hope; Lay Worship Leader Kathryn Aubry-McAvoy
August 23 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Cn. Steven Wilco, presider and preacher; Blessing of the Backpacks
August 30 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm, presider and preacher
Sept 6 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Ted Thornton presider, and alyssa kai preacher; C&C
Sept 13 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Ted Thornton presider, and Dan Carew preacher
Sept 20 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm, presider and preacher; Baptism
Sept 27 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm, presider and preacher
Oct 4 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm, presider and preacher; Blessing of Animals; C&C
Oct 11 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Ted Thornton presider, and Steve Houghton preacher
Oct 18 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm, presider and preacher
Oct 25 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Ted Thornton presider and preacher

Wednesday Worship Schedule 
Please join us for worship on Wednesdays: Morning Prayer at 6:15 a.m. on YouTube led by Audley Robinson or for Eucharist/ Morning Prayer at 10 a.m. in All Saints Chapel followed by coffee hour.  

July 22 -- Holy Eucharist; Rev Heather Blais
July 29 -- Morning Prayer; Julie Orvis and Steve Houghton
August 5 -- Morning Prayer; Nathan Turowsky and Steve Houghton
August 12 -- Morning Prayer; Mary and Becky Burleigh-Howes
August 19 -- Morning Prayer; Mary and Becky Burleigh-Howes
August 26 -- Morning Prayer; Mary and Becky Burleigh-Howes
September 2 - Onward -- Holy Eucharist; Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm

Children’s Chapel Schedule - Save the Dates for this Fall
All are welcome! We invite children to gather for singing, stories, and crafts during Sunday services: Sept 13; Oct 4; Oct 18; Nov 1; Nov 15; Dec 6; Dec 20 12/20. If you have questions or interest in volunteering to help with Children's Chapel, please contact Cara Hins at [email protected].

Coffee & Conversation - Save the Dates for the 2026-2027
Join us after worship for coffee and conversation in the cloisters following the Sunday service: Sept 6; Oct 4; Nov 1; Dec 6; Jan 3; Mar 7; Apr 4; May 16; June 6. To volunteer or learn more about this ministry contact Allyson Michal at [email protected].

Summer Worship Schedule - Sundays

Thank you for your flexibility and support as we worship in the Whiteman Room as our sanctuary ceiling is under renovation this summer.  



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June 21 - Holy Eucharist; Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm, presider and preacher
June 28 - Morning Prayer; Lay Worship Leader Audley Robinson, presider and preacher 
July 5 - Holy Eucharist; Rev. Heather Blais presider and preacher
July 12 - Holy Eucharist; Rev. Heather Blais presider and preacher
July 19 - Holy Eucharist; Rev. Heather Blais presider and Lay Preacher Julie Carew preacher
July 26 - Holy Eucharist; Rev. Heather Blais presider and preacher
August 2 - Holy Eucharist; Rev. Rich Simpson presider and lay Preacher Dan Carew preacher
August 9 - Morning Prayer; Lay Worship Leader Julie Carew, presider and Steve Houghton preacher
August 16 - Lessons & Carols: Gospel & Hope; Lay Worship Leader Kathryn Aubry-McAvoy
August 23 - Holy Eucharist; Rev. Cn. Steven Wilco, presider and preacher
August 30 - Holy Eucharist; Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm, presider and preacher

Organ Fundraiser – Vestry has accepted a proposal to bring our organ into the 21st century. These improvements include a solid-state combination action, reconstructed key contacts, a rebuilt pedalboard, new leather pads, and a moveable organ console. This work will increase reliability, reduce future maintenance costs, and secure the organ's future without diminishing the sound we cherish and rely on. The cost amounts to $34,750 in parts and labor, alongside up to $6,000 in additional construction costs. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how the organ shapes our life in Christ together, and make a contribution to secure the future of the organ at Saints James and Andrew. In that spirit, please share your support by check or by tithe.ly with ‘Organ Fund’ in the memo line.
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Midweek Eucharist Schedule
Please join us for worship on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. 
June 24 and July 1 - Morning Prayer
July 8, 15, 22 - Holy Eucharist
July 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26 - TBD
September 2 - Onward - Holy Eucharist

Rev. Heather away June 19 - July 4
Rev. Heather will be away on vacation June 19-July 4. She will return on Sunday, July 5. For pastoral emergencies, call (413) 773-3925 and our answer serving will connect you to the appropriate person.

Interfaith Council Annual Meeting
The Interfaith Council of Franklin County invites all to its annual meeting, "Opening Hearts & Inviting Light: Evolving Our Common Good in Divisive Times," on Wednesday, June 24 at Whiteman Room, SsJA. Program includes election of officers, and reports on the ICFC activities on the past year and interfaith possibilities ahead. Featured will be special conversation with GurujiMa, Village of Light Ashram, Leverett, and Sr. Clare Carter, New England Peace Pagola, Leverett. Light refreshments at 6:30 PM and business meeting and program at 7:00 PM. For more information contact Julie Orvis at [email protected] or 413-210-5855.

Events Calendar
View our Events Calendar, showing the start and end times for parish and wider community meetings, rehearsals, and events. Please note: Spaces are reserved for time beyond the exact times listed on the public calendar for set up, clean up, and there are other private meetings and reservations that are not listed for public view. Always check with the parish administrator to reserve a space and to ensure a room is available before using it. 

​Gerda Bennett Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Kostanski Funeral Home - Greenfield on Jun. 12, 2026.

Gerda Anneliese (Kleppich) Bennett passed away Wednesday 6/10/26 at home. In her own words, she felt very lucky to have had a good life and counted her blessings.

Gerda was born September 9, 1935, in Turn-Teplitz, Sudetenland- now the Czech Republic. She was the daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm Kleppich and Elsbeth (Siegel) Kleppich.

The ravishes of war left the family homeless. After living in shelters in Russian occupied East Germany, they settled in Wildflecken/Rhoen, northern Bavaria. Gerda received her education at the Institute der Franziskanerinnen in Lohr/Main, a convent boarding school. After graduation, she worked as a Nanny in Wales at the American Army Post in Wildflecken Germany.

On May 1, 1955, Gerda married Floyd (Bud) H. Bennett, Jr., who served in the Army and was stationed in Germany at that time. After Bud's honorable discharge from the service, they settled in Greenfield and started raising their family.

When the children were all of school age, Gerda went to work in the family business, Bud's Market. The business was sold after 24 years and Gerda accepted a position at Greenfield Savings Bank, which she held for thirty years.

Gerda and her children were very close and lovingly cared for each other. She enjoyed working outdoors around the house and cottage and New Hampshire. She also gave back to the community for which she was grateful and felt secure. Over the years she was involved with the Girl Scouts and served on the Allocation Committee for the United Way, represented St. James' at the Interfaith Council for many years where she served as Treasurer. Her true commitment was to St. James Church. She considered this her other family. Here she served on several committees and projects. She was a member of the Vestry, past Treasurer, Junior Warden and Senior Warden.

Gerda was predeceased by a son, Floyd H. Bennett III, who passed away at age 5; her husband, Floyd H. Bennett, Jr. in 1989; also, a dear friend of many years, Dr. Harlan Lathem.

Gerda is survived by her three children, Bonnie Bennett (David Aron), Roger Bennett and Elsbeth Bennett; three grandchildren, Tomas, Jeniffer and Andrew; and two great grandchildren, Anne and Jamison.
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A Memorial service will be held Thursday 6/18 at 11am at The Church of St. James and Andrew, 8 Church Street, Greenfield. The service will be held in the Chapel. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
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Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

To submit a parish announcement for the leaflet, please email the office by Monday for the following Sunday’s leaflet

June 7 at 10:00 a.m.
We are grateful to have our Bishop with us today, and to welcome the family and friends of those being baptized and confirmed.  The loose plate offering today will go towards the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. Please join us for Coffee & Conversation following worship. 

June 13 at 12 p.m. - Save the Date for Franklin County Pride
Come join us in celebrating Franklin County Pride on Saturday, June 13. We will meet in front of the church around 11:45 am and hoot and holler and make a joyful noise as the Pride parade marches past the church. Stop by Coffee and Conversation today to help make signs for the church lawn. If you have questions or want to help, contact Erin Donnally Drake, [email protected]. 

June 14 at 10 a.m. - Worship Moves to the Whiteman Room
While our sanctuary ceiling is under renovation we will be worshipping in the Whiteman Room. 

Organ Fundraiser – Vestry has accepted a proposal to bring our organ into the 21st century. These improvements include a solid-state combination action, reconstructed key contacts, a rebuilt pedalboard, new leather pads, and a moveable organ console. This work will increase reliability, reduce future maintenance costs, and secure the organ's future without diminishing the sound we cherish and rely on. The cost amounts to $34,750 in parts and labor, alongside up to $6,000 in additional construction costs. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how the organ shapes our life in Christ together, and make a contribution to secure the future of the organ at Saints James and Andrew. In that spirit, please share your support by check or by tithe.ly with ‘Organ Fund’ in the memo line.


Regular Events
To learn more about these ministries and events, click the link or contact the office. 
Mondays
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.  Second Helpings Community Meal 
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.  Whitney’s Pantry (6/29)
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Zoom Bible Study

Tuesdays
10:00 - 1:00 p.m.  Office Hours (Closed Holidays)
9:00 - 12:00 p.m. St. Andrew’s Guild Sewing Drop-In (school year)

Wednesdays
6:15 - 6:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (live streamed)
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Midweek Eucharist & Coffee Hour 

Thursdays
10:00 - 1:00 p.m. Office Hours (Closed Holidays)
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Choir  (resumes in fall)

Fridays
10:00 - 1:00 p.m. Office Hours (Closed Holidays)​
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Zoom Reflection Group
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Sundays
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist (live streamed)
10:00 - 10:35 a.m. Children’s Chapel (resumes in fall)
11:15 - 12:00 p.m. Coffee & Conversation (6/7 )
11:30 -   2:00 p.m. Youth Group (resumes in fall)


Daily 
During Daylight - Walk our Community Labyrinth - Enjoy our gardens and grounds to pray, rest, be