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Bible study planned
Evangelical Lutheran church of Duncansville will hold Bible study every Thursday in November (except Thanksgiving day) from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. For more information, call the church office at 814-695-0508.
Free lunch offered
Providence Presbyterian Church, 2401 Broad Ave., Altoona, will host a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. The lunch will include a meatball sandwich or ham barbeque sandwich, a variety of homemade soups, fruit and a dessert. All are welcome to eat in the social hall.
Joyful Noise service
A Joyful Noise service is planned for 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at Juniata United Methodist Church. This service is intended for children with autism, PDD-NOS, ADHD, Down syndrome, and any other developmental/ physical challenges and families with young children.
The joy-filled service will bring together children with and without disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn from one another about God's love for them: all in an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.
The service will be lively with combinations of music, movement, prayer and Bible stories.
For more information, contact the Juniata United Methodist Church at 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona; 814-942-6065; or by email at juniataumc@atlanticbbn.net.
Motivational Mug meets
Motivational Mug group will meet at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at Evangelical Lutheran church of Duncansville. The group will gather in the Family Life Center. The theme is "Gathered in Grace, Overflowing with Thanks." The group will enjoy fellowship, reflect on God's blessings, and share in gratitude. Sign up online or in the narthex to reserve a spot.
Food boxes available
The food pantry at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue, is available for those in need. Distribution will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, and Nov. 21, by appointment only. Call Deb at 814-207-8293.
Pancake brunch fundraiser set
The Society of St. Vincent DePaul, St. Therese of The Child Jesus Conference will serve an all-you-can-eat pancake (gluten free also available) breakfast, along with two sausages, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and juice from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16, in Father Kelly Hall, 25th Avenue and Fifth Street, Altoona. Tickets are $8; children under 5 can eat for free. There will also be two gift board raffles valued at more than $300 each and a lottery tree raffle. The benefit is to raise money to continue helping the poor in our community.
Revival services
Fall Revival services will be held at Faith Baptist Church of Altoona on Nov. 16-19, with Pastor Barry Yingling of the Woodcock Valley Bible Church in James Creek. The theme will be "For His Glory and Our Good." Each service will include congregational singing, special music and a practical message from the Word of God. Special Music will be provided by The Heirsmen Quartet on Nov. 16, The Bryant Family on Nov. 17, Tom Smith, Nov 18; and The Yinglings, Nov. 19.
Services will be held at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 7 p.m. Nov. 17-19. Faith Baptist Church of Altoona is at 315 40th St. in the Highland Park section of Altoona. For information, call 814-944-2894 or visit the website at www.fbcaltoona.org
Sale features soups and more
The Women's Guild of St. John's Reformed Church, 906 Maple Ave., Hollidaysburg, will hold a "Flavors of Fall" sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Homemade soups will be available by the pint and quart. There will be baked goods, Christmas and fall crafts, and a white elephant table.
Interfaith Thanksgiving service
"A Harvest of Hope," an interfaith Thanksgiving service, will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at Christ Community United Methodist Church, 5715 Roselawn Ave., Altoona.
The service aims to inspire people of all faith traditions to work together for the betterment of the community. "Despite this being a season in which we acknowledge blessing and thankfulness, it is easy to become discouraged by the things happening in our community, our nation and around the world," said the Rev. Dr. Lenore C. Hosier, pastor of both Christ Community UMC and Llyswen UMC. "As people of many faiths, we come together in unity to acknowledge the hope that we find in our shared humanity as we seek to celebrate our diversity."
This year's guest speaker will be the Rev. Lillian Smith, a noted author and superintendent of the Altoona Advisory Area of the Susquehanna Conference of United Methodist Church. Attendees are welcome to stay for refreshments after the service. The offering for this year will be collected for IvySide Eats Food Pantry at the Penn State Altoona campus, which assists students with food insecurity. Items needed include tuna, pasta, toothpaste, deodorant, paper towels, laundry detergent (smaller size) and microwavable individual meals.
Thanksgiving worship
The Altoona/Tyrone Cluster of United Methodist Church will offer a Thanksgiving worship service at Greenwood UMC, 1505 E. Walton Ave., Altoona, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. The theme is "Together with Grateful Hearts." There will be a community meal afterward. All are welcome. Those who plan to attend the meal should contact cmiller@susumc.org to register by Nov. 16. A collection of funds and donations of children's socks and underwear will benefit Logan Elementary School students.
PEACE Initiative continues
Christ Community UMC, 5715 Roselawn Ave., Altoona, will continue offering the PEACE Initiative with two new book studies concerning social issues and the Christian faith. At 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19, the group will meet at the church to discuss "Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church's Mission" by Amy Simpson. At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10, the discussion will be on "Addiction Nation: What the Opioid Crisis Reveals About Us" by Timothy McMahan King. Participants are encouraged to read the books before attending the sessions.
Holiday Boutique planned
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2700 Broad Ave., Altoona, will host a Holiday Boutique from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. A pancake and sausage breakfast will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. There will be Paula Binns sweet rolls and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photos with Santa will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, sponsored by Loyal Christian Benefit Association -- Branch 1198, will include collectibles and gifts, Sister Basil's Lollipops, books, crafts, bake shoppe, jewelry, a kids carnival, prize-a-rama, baskets and food.
Prayer and praise
An evening of prayer and praise will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. Sunday morning services will be held at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. with Big Splash (children's Sunday school) at the 10:30 a.m.
Night of worship
Holy Spirit Ministry will hold a night of worship from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at St. Michael's Church, Hollidaysburg. The speaker will be Ray Becker, who is a member of the worship team. Prayer ministry will follow the talk.
Food distribution date moved
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Eighth Avenue and 13th Street, Altoona, will hold its monthly food pantry distribution from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. This date is earlier in the month than usual, due to the holidays.
Food distribution is done on a drive-thru basis to maximize social distancing, and the use of masks is encouraged for those on foot or getting out of their cars. More information is available on the church's website or Facebook page, or call the church at 814-942-1372. Leave a message and calls will be returned.
Donations to the food pantry, either in money or in nonperishable food are always welcome.
Community Thanksgiving meal offered
Calvary United Methodist Church, 167 Blue Ball Road, West Decatur, will hold its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Take outs will be available 12:30 to 1 p.m. or till food runs out.
Also happening Nov. 22 is a Bazaar at Rock United Methodist Church, 2707 Old Erie Pike. The bazaar will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Messy service set
A Messy Church Service is planned for 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, at Juniata United Methodist Church. This service is intended for children and their parents. All are welcome. Fun activities, crafts, snacks and learning about God's love are planned.
For more information, contact the Juniata United Methodist Church, 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona; 814-942-6065; or by email at juniataumc@atlanticbbn.net.
Stuffed cabbage dinners available
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., downtown Johnstown, is holding a halupki harvest: stuffed cabbage
take-out dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Dinner includes one Halupki, two Pierogies, a serving of halushki and two cookies. Cost is $10. Take-out only. Call 814-535-6797 or email stmarks@atlanticbbn.net to order. Proceeds benefit St. Mark's Digital Ministries.
For additional information about the event, contact The Rev. Nancy Threadgill at 814-535-6797 or revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net.
Recital benefits those in need
John Dennis McCoy will present a recital with organist Breckin Boland at Wehnwood United Methodist Church starting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24. The evening will feature several Christmas favorites to celebrate the release of McCoy's new album "Christmas Fantasies," available on CD and all major streaming platforms on Nov. 21. In place of an admission charge, guests are asked to bring canned goods to benefit residents in need. Visit "John Dennis McCoy, Pianist" on Facebook for more details.
Shoe bank available to those in need
Juniata United Methodist Church Angel Feet Ministry provides a sneaker shoe bank service to children birth to 9th grade. JUMC Angel Feet Ministry provides sneakers, socks and a new book to children visiting the program. Eligibility is based on Medical Assistance, CHIP, or referral to the ministry.
Parents may call for an appointment and must accompany their child for the appointment. Children may visit at six-month intervals. Families living in southern Blair County -- Roaring Spring, Claysburg, Martinsburg, and East Freedom may call and arrange for sneakers to be picked up at the Roaring Spring Community Library - JUMC Angel Feet Ministry Nook. JUMC Angel Feet Ministry has been serving the Blair County community for 12 years. JUMC Angel Feet Ministry is also assisting children with special foot needs who may need the BILLY type sneakers. For information or questions, contact JUMC Angel Feet Ministry for an appointment contact 814-799-5053, Juniata United Methodist Church at 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona; 814-942-6065, or by email at juniataumc@atlanticbbn.net.
Exercising your faith
Everyone is welcome to praise the Lord while exercising at the Christian Dance Fitness class from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Groove Fitness Studio, 539 E. 25th Ave., Altoona (Ivyside Plaza). The class is taught by instructor Cathy Chirdon. All fitness levels are welcome. Cost is $7 a class, or $60 for a 10-class punchcard; health insurance fitness plans accepted. For more information, call Groove Fitness at 814-329-3091.
Kids' music groups meet
Zion Lutheran Church, 500 Allegheny St., has regularly meeting music groups for kids of all ages. NOIZ, ages 4 through sixth grade, and "BIG" NOIZ, seventh grade and up, provide opportunities for singing, hand bells, music theory and even songwriting. Participants are not required to sing and no musical experience is necessary. Sessions are led by Director of Faith Formation and Outreach Ryan Custead and explore how we use music in our life of faith. NOIZ and "BIG" NOIZ also offer music in worship throughout the year. The free program meets in Zion's upstairs kids' music room, and all ages are welcome to start attending any time.
NOIZ meets from 9 to 9:30 a.m. every Sunday from September to May and "BIG" NOIZ meets from 10 to 10:30 a.m. every first and third Sunday from September to May. Both meet in Zion's upstairs kids' music room. For more information, call or email the church office at 814-695-0091 or office@zionhollidaysburg.org.
Recital benefits rescue mission
Claude Fabinyi, organ, and John Dennis McCoy, piano, will present a recital at 7 p.m. Dec. 29 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1401 12th Ave., Altoona. The concert will feature several Christmas favorites in conjunction with the release of their new album "Christmas Fantasies." The album is available on all major streaming platforms on Friday, Nov. 21. CDs will be for sale at the concert as well. In place of an admission charge, guests are asked to bring canned goods, which will be donated to the Altoona Rescue Mission. Visit "John Dennis McCoy, Pianist" on Facebook for more details.
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.