PITTSFIELD — In a bold move within a church, the Council of the First Universalist Church recently voted to sell its more than 1,600 shares of Exxon Mobil stock and pledged to make its entire portfolio fossil fuel free within five years, according to a news release.

Among a growing number of city governments, colleges, institutions and churches across the U.S., the church has embarked on a five-year pledge to divest its investment portfolio of the largest 200 coal, oil and gas companies worldwide.

For more information, email hollyzadra@yahoo.com or mabme@aol.com or call 487-2706 or 299-5520.

Thrift shop celebrates

first anniversary

MADISON — A building that was constructed to be a school, but instead served as a gathering place for local Catholics, is now thriving as the St. Sebastian Thrift Shop on 16 Pleasant St.

The thrift shop, which opened on Memorial Day weekend 2011, began with items displayed in one room. Now, because of the hard work of volunteers and the donations of surrounding communities, it features nine departments filling the first floor, according to a news release.

The thrift shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. All donations are accepted.

For more information, call 696-3203.