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Hi, friends - Ed Valentine here, Chair of Sheffield Pride 2026 at sheffieldmapride@gmail.com. I'm reaching out because we are greatly in need of some helpers for Sheffield Pride next week on Friday June 5.
As you may know: for this year, we are returning to our roots at the Farmers Market at Old Parish Church.
Some things we need help with:
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staffing the Sheffield Pride welcome table between 3 and 7:30 (in shifts) - includes selling t-shirts
- photo booth 3-6:30
- face painting 3-6:30 (Aldeth Lewin is on on this, but could use at least one more)
- Pet Parade organizer and judges 5:30 - 6:30
- transition from Farmers Market to dinner 6-6:30 (i.e., setting up tables and chairs) - *NOTE: we will ask the assistance of everyone who is physically able to help us with this transition.
If you have friends who'd like to be involved, please send them my way. And please feel free to call me at 917-414-5332 if you have any questions or needs.
Thank you all SO much for your support! With your help, we're looking forward to a joyful Pride celebration next week.
All the best,
Ed Valentine
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A Word From the Lord
My old preaching professor would demand of us, "Preacher! Is there any Word of the Lord today?" He knew our people would be hungry to hear some word of comfort or hope from their clergy leaders when times were challenging. While he never said it this way, his meaning was clear, staying silent when people needed to hear "A Word from the Lord" is clergy malpractice.
These days, clergy leadership is all too often silent. Many because they simply have no idea what to say in these completely insane times! The answer however, is not to stay silent, but look for some help! My help finding a "Word from the Lord" to pass on to you this week comes from Pastor Rachel Manke (our ukulele guru from years ago). She shared with me her Pentecost sermon. In it she reminded her folks that the Holy Spirit is in our breath. That breath was in Jesus BOTH as he healed the sick, AND when he took a nap in the back of a boat! That image of God being at work in our world, in our breath, even while we nap was a "Word from the Lord" I wanted to share with all of you today.
In our every breath God is at work. Just think about that for a bit. And then... just breathe and let God work.
- Erik
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Can You Help?
Our water fountain for the Cycling Hospitality Station is in need of a new, creative solution. In past years we've run a hose from the Rectory but that hose has never been a great solution and now it is aged out. We are looking for someone to think creatively, do the research, and propose a new solution! Are you the person to take the lead on this project? Let us know! We really need some help. Thank you in advance!
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An Invitation from Cynthia Wade
Many of you will remember Cynthia Wade, Matthew Syrett and their family as members of our congregation before they moved to Los Angeles. They are returning to the Berkshires this weekend for a screening of their new film, Admission Possible, at BIFF and wanted to extend an invitation to all of us to come and see it and say hello.
The film is the story of Bill Short, a volunteer college counselor, in his 23rd year of helping low-income public NYC high school students navigate college applications as national debates over financial aid, legacy admissions, DEI, and the cost of higher education swirl around them. Bill is a resident of Mt. Washington, here in the Berkshires. Each of the two showings will be followed with a Q&A with Bill and the film makers:
Saturday, May 30, 11:45 am, Great Barrington, Triplex #1
Sunday, May 31, 1:15 pm, Lenox Town Hall
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Trail Magic
Sign up to be a volunteer with our Appalachian Trail Ministry this summer. Starting on June 15th, meet people from all over the world and serve them free food and hospitality as they hike the trail.
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The last Bible study on the Book of Acts will be Friday June 5 at 1 pm in the Parish hall.
The theme is 'And So We Came to Rome'. The Scripture passage is Acts 28:1-31.
Please let Imelda Muller or the church office know if you would like to attend.
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The Owles will travel to Washington, CT, about an hour’s ride south of Sheffield, on Wednesday, June 10 to stroll around Hollister House Gardens in the early afternoon, with lunch first at a restaurant near Washington. In case of nasty weather, the rain date is Friday, June 12.
We plan to leave the church parking lot around 10:30 AM. The garden is supposed to be spectacular and well worth the trip. Admission is $10 cash at the gate, no reservations necessary.
Let Nancy King or Liz Wells know by text or email if you would like to go. If you have never been on an Owles trip, try us out.
We would love to have some new participants.
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Sacred Texts, Shared Questions:
An Interfaith Bible Study Series
Fridays, June 12, July 10 and August 21 || 10-11am
First Congregational Church, Main St. Great Barrington
Join clergy and community members from across the Southern Berkshires for a three-part interfaith exploration of sacred texts that continue to shape our moral imagination and spiritual lives. Together, we will study selections from the Book of Jonah, the prophet Isaiah, and other biblical voices, engaging these texts through Jewish, Christian, and interfaith lenses. Each session will invite participants into deep conversation—wrestling with enduring questions of responsibility, justice, compassion, repentance, and hope.
What does it mean to be called to change?
How do we respond to a world in need of healing?
And what can ancient wisdom teach us about the urgency of this moment?
No prior text study experience is necessary—just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to listen across differences. Each session will include close reading, teaching, and facilitated discussion. Come learn, reflect, and build connection across traditions as we encounter these powerful texts together.
Rabbi Jodie Gordon
Hevreh of Southern Berkshire
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Towson University Concert Choir
New England Tour
TODAY, May 28 at 7:00pm
West Stockbridge Village Congregational Church
45 Main St, West Stockbridge MA
University choral groups from Maryland’s Towson University make a stop in West Stockbridge as part of its 2026 New England tour. This free community concert features a diverse mix of music including works by Elaine Hagenberg, Marques L.A. Garrett, and Rene Clausen.
Tickets: Admission is free, general admission and no advance tickets are needed. Doors will open at 6:30pm.
Co-sponsored by the West Stockbridge Village Congregational Church and Berkshire Choral International.
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Bishop Visitation Schedule
(so far)
05/17/2026 - Trinity Church, Milford
05/31/2026 - Trinity Church, Lenox
06/07/2026 - Sts. James and Andrew, Greenfield
06/14/2026 - Holy Spirit, Sutton
06/21/2026 - All Saints, North Adams
06/28/2026 - St. John's, Ashfield
09/13/2026 - St. John's, Millville
09/20/2026 - St. Mark's, East Longmeadow
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