N.E.X.T. program offered

Overflow Church, Altoona, is offering the 12-week N.E.X.T. program designed to empower participants navigating life transitions, such as reentering the workforce, recover or other challenges. The focus is on helping participants Nourish the body and soul through healthy cooking and food budgeting, Educating the mind with personal growth and financial literacy, Xpel negativity by building resilience and Train the mind and body for success.

Through practical skills, problem-solving strategies and a supportive environment, the N.E.X.T. Program lifts individuals up, helping them feel confident, capable and empowered to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

The program will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Feb. 4, at Overflow Church, 127 Fifth Ave., Altoona. To register, visit www.lovealtoona.com and click on events.

Singers invited

A special choral prayer service will be held Feb. 16 commemorating the Rev. Absalom Jones, who in 1802 was the first African American ordained in the priesthood by

The Episcopal Church.

Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to take part in the choir, led by Annette Nagle. No prior experience is required. Rehearsals begin

Feb. 1 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church,

806 13th St., Altoona, and will be held on the three consecutive Saturdays leading up to the service.

The special service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at St. Luke’s and is a joint effort of Holy Trinity, Hollidaysburg, and St. Luke’s, as part of their collaborative Shaped by Faith project.

For more information, contact Marilyn Pyeatt at 469-855-3478 or email marilynpyeatt@gmail.com.

Hymn sing

The Well Ministry Center will hold a hymn sing during the 8:30 a.m. service Sunday,

Feb. 2. Coffee and goodies are available in the fellowship hall before the service. The sermon series is “Me and my big mouth.” The Well is at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. For more information, email Welladministration@theWellofbc.org or call 814-201-2548.

Free lunch

The Fourth Street Church of God, Fourth Street and 21st Avenue, will serve a free lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 The meal includes ham and green beans, scalloped potatoes, cup cakes, rolls and butter and drinks. The meal is available for eat in or take out.

Freedom Seekers focus of lecture

In honor of Black History Month, Christ Community United Methodist Church will host a lecture at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2. “The Freedom Seekers of Blair County” by Harriet Gaston will address the local history of the Underground Railroad. Everyone is invited to this free event. The church is at 5715 Roselawn Ave., Altoona.

Annual soup sale planned

The Catholic War Veterans annual soup sale will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday,

Feb. 2, at 290 Valley Ave., Altoona. There will be soups, basket raffles, baked goods and more, with all proceeds benefiting Families United for Change.

Holy Spirit Ministry meets

Holy Spirit Ministry will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg.

Eucharistic Adoration will be held during the Night of Worship with Father Alan Thomas, and praise and worship music will be led by the worship team. A prayer ministry will conclude the evening.

Soup orders accepted

Greenwood United Methodist Church is holding a soup sale, with orders to be picked up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the church fellowship hall, 1505 E. Walton Ave., Altoona.

Soups are $9 a quart and include chicken noodle and vegetable beef.

Orders may be placed on the sign-up sheet in the church sanctuary or call 814-943-5834 or email at office@greenwoodunitedmethodist

church.com

Tax help available

The New Life Worship Center Tax Team provides preparation of 2024 federal, state and local tax returns as part of its ministry. In its 15th year, federal and state returns are efiled and local returns sent back to participants for them to file. Property tax and rent rebates are also completed. A mobile app link is available.

The tax preparation cost is a minimum donation of $30. Last year, this ministry raised more than $75,000 and donated to 17 local nonprofits by serving 1,670 clients who received $3 million in refunds.

For more information, visit its Facebook page, email sseifer@hotmail.com or call 814-215-1933.

St. John’s hosts soup program

St. John’s Reformed Church, 906 Maple Ave., will host the Hollidaysburg Free Soup Program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. All are welcome to enjoy a sandwich along with hot soup, bread, butter, desserts and beverages.

There is no charge; offerings will be accepted. Cancellations will be announced on the websites of Lightner Radio at Lightnercommunications.com or 7 Mountains Media.

The program continues through March according to the following schedule: Feb. 15,

Feb. 22 and March 1, First Presbyterian Church, Penn and Walnut streets; March 8, March 15 and March 22, St. Michael Catholic Church, Montgomery and Spruce streets.

All churches will offer soup, bread and butter, desserts, tea, coffee and water.

This program is a mission of the churches in Hollidaysburg. It is not restricted to church members, but is open to everyone, including those in financial need and those in need of Christian fellowship.

Meal, kids activities planned

A family meal will be served at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns. Ave., Altoona. From 6 to 7 p.m., children 3 years old to sixth grade can stay for fun, games and a message of love, along with a special Valentine’s activity. Parents may stay at the cafe with free WiFi or come back for pick up at 7 p.m. Splash nights are held the second Monday of the month. For more information, contact Deb Wirth at debneff0717@hotmail.com

Quilting ministry offered

Zion Lutheran Church invites women of all ages to attend Stitch and Sew in Zion’s Fellowship Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. No experience is required to help create quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Bring a bagged lunch, if you’d like. For more information, call the church office at 814-695-0091.

Deadline

Religious organizations are invited to submit upcoming events, special speakers and other items to be published free of charge in Spiritual Notes. Items can be emailed to religion@altoonamirror.com or call Holly at 814-946-7451. Items may also be submitted online through the Mirror’s virtual newsroom at vnr.altoonamirror.com. Deadline for submissions is 4 p.m. Mondays.