The results are in, and the winning choice for summer Christian formation is Option 2: Renewing Our Minds: Prayer and Imagination. This series focuses on methods of engaging our imagination in prayer and meditation for healing, discernment, and intercession for others. The benefit? Deeper personal prayer time and richer experience with the readings at church.

But don't worry if you chose Option 3! This course will incorporate Scriptural study as well, and connect with both the first and second choice classes. ALL are welcome, whether you signed up or not, for one class or all. The series will continue on July 20 and August 3. You are welcome to join as you are able, given your vacation plans for the summer.

Planned and led by the Social & Creation Justice Team, we will offer a series of four opportunities this summer to enter into a place of quiet reflection, conversation in community, and prayerful blessing. Each day will incorporate time to reflect individually (with stations including a labyrinth walk, spiritual readings, coloring mandalas, writing prayers, etc.), time to share a simple meal together (please bring your own brown bag meal), and time to pray. You are welcome to join one or all as your schedule permits! Events will take place in our courtyard and/or Kidder Hall, as weather permits.

• Wednesday, July 23, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

• Wednesday, August 6, 6:00-7:30 pm

• Wednesday, August 20, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Award-winning artist of the 20-stringed Hindustani slide guitar, Joel Veena, presents 'Ragas & Sagas' - an evening of his original compositions set in the brilliant tradition of south Asian music alongside fascinating tales from the lore of Hindustani (North Indian) music. With two sets of music, the concert will feature a taste of Joel's new electric set: combining modified slide guitar, electric guitar and digital looping.

He will be accompanied on tabla by longtime-collaborator, tabla virtuoso Mir Naqibul Islam.

Maitreyee Chakraborty, of 'Tagore, Me, and You' lives her life nurturing and following the philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, the first Asian Nobel Laureate, the polymath poet of Bengal, India. She sings the beautiful lyrical and philosophical compositions of Tagore and uses his poems in her concerts. Maitreyee has been living in the US for three decades and she strives to bring Tagore's literature to Indians and non-Indians alike. She sings Tagore's compositions in its original language, Bengali, but translates the lyrics herself. She performs in a lec-dem style by contextualizing and explaining in English. She has been performing far and wide. She also enjoys teaching her students (both in person and via zoom) who come from many states of the US. 

This performance at Halcyon Arts is titled 'I Took the Road Less Spoken: A Journey with Tagore's Compositions' and features Mona Roy on harmonium, Yogesh Karale on tabla and Ayon Basumallik on keyboards.

This summer, we will offer TWO group trips to Tanglewood! This is the second! We have secured 30 tickets for Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, at 7pm on Thursday, August 28 ($28). Bring a picnic and a chair (and a friend?), and carpooling is available. We'll meet up at a designated spot and have a lovely evening together. To reserve your spot, contact Beau in the office or Rev. Tanya and send payment via check, Venmo (@AllSaintsSouthHadley), or Tithely.

Do you ever wonder what makes Armenian music so distinct? Does your heart hum at the sound of a duduk? Does the kanon bring you joy? Same. 

On Sunday, September 28, we explore Armenian melodies with Armadi Tsayn, a contemporary folk ensemble that nods to Western Armenia, Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The evening will include live performances and an educational breakdown of instruments to underscore the depth and breadth of their music. 

Armadi Tsayn, which means “Sounds/Voice of the Roots” in Armenian, features Sam Sjostedt, Alireza Khodayari, Filippo Goller, and Alek Surenian. The group is making a name for itself thanks to its blend of traditional melodies and modern influences. Armadi Tsayn has played in major cities including Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Worcester, and Yerevan, Armenia.

Indrajit Roy-Chowdhury is one of the most talented young exponents of Rampur Senia Gharana in the venerated lineage of, Pandit Birendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury and Pandit Subroto Roy Chowdhury. Primarily trained in the Veen-Kar style of Sitar which draws techniques and idioms of the Veena, Indrajit has been able to carve a niche for himself with his eclecticism and versatility. Indrajit strives for a fine balance of traditionalism coupled with innovation and is renowned for his meditative alaap and brilliant taans.