Trending
Food pantry 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 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, by appointment only. Call Deb by Thursday at 814-207-8293.
Yard sale planned
The annual yard Sale at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1341 Grandview Road, Altoona, will be held from 8 a.m to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. There will be puzzles, books, bake sale, food, drinks and crafts, jewelry, along with a variety of yard sale items. Vendor space is available for $15; bring your own table. The sale will be held at the church. For more information, call Donna at 814-569-5561.
Chicken barbecue available
Chicken barbecue will be available at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. The meal is $12 and includes half a chicken, two sides and a dinner roll. The church will also be having a bake sale at the same time. Tickets can also be ordered by contacting Deb at 814-207-8293. Limited tickets will be available at the door.
Benefit bingo planned
Basket bingo will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Father Kelley Hall, 429 25th Ave., Altoona. All proceeds will benefit the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, assisting children in Catholic schools, religious education and youth activities.
Tickets are $25 for 15 games of basket bingo, complimentary food and beverages. A $30 additional value pack includes 104 door prize tickets, six walk around tickets, one dauber and five special games.
For information and tickets, contact the parish office at 814-944-4603.
Dinner and fall fest planned
St. Demetrius Parish in Gallitzin will host its annual chicken barbecue dinner and fall festival on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the parish Activity Center (St. Mary's Gym), 606 Church St., Gallitzin. Dinner includes a half barbecue chicken, green beans, potato, roll and dessert for $15. Dine-in or takeout available starting at 11a.m. until sold out. The festival features a rummage sale, bake sale, games and a basket raffle.
Baptism being held
Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue, will be holding a baptism service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. The church will also be conducting a transfer of membership for several congregants. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m.
Sermon series continues
The Rev. Fred E. Hickok, pastor of Fairview and Jaggard First United Methodist churches, is presenting a sermon series of first-person dramatic portrayals this month.
Sermons as part of the "Shadow Believers: Standing Big When the Spotlight Is Small" series will be delivered entirely through first-person dramatic portrayals in costume.
The series explores the stories of four often-overlooked biblical figures who chose humble, steadfast obedience over personal acclaim:
– Week 4 (Sept. 27): Join a radical advocate in the early church who risked his own reputation to offer second chances to outcasts.
The community is invited to attend services at either location throughout the month of September:
Fairview United Methodist Church, 2214 Fifth St., holds worship services at 9:15 a.m.
Jaggard First United Methodist Church, 1801 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, holds services at 10:45 a.m.
Prayer breakfast planned
Tickets are available for the Precious Life Inc. inaugural prayer breakfast set for 7:30 to 9 a.m. Oct. 13 in Liberty Hall at the U.S. Hotel, Hollidaysburg. Supplicants will include Ellie Sheehan, John Eichelberger, the Rev. Roy Stewart, Vic Giovanelli and the executive director of Precious Life, Danielle Haluska. Doors will open at 7 a.m., breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., and the program will run from 8 to 9 a.m.
Precious Life is a ministry of support for life-affirming options for pregnant women. Its focus extends to the mother, baby, and family members affected, during pregnancy and after birth.
Tickets are $20 and must be purchased by Oct. 1. Purchase tickets online at www.preciouslifeinc.com or call 814-944-2669.
Grief group meets
Healing doesn't happen overnight and that's OK. A grief group will meet every other Thursday at 6 p.m. The next meeting is Oct. 1. Participants gather to encourage one another, lean on God's promises and take small steps toward healing together. Wherever you are in your journey of loss you are welcome. The Well Ministry Center is at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. For more information, call 814-201-2548.
Blessing of the animals
Zion Lutheran Church will commemorate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi with a blessing of the animals at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4 on the parsonage lawn, 308 Union St., Hollidaysburg. If it rains, the blessing will take place in the church fellowship hall next door. Pastor David Bowman will bless any animal that walks, crawls, slithers or flies. Please make sure that your pet is controlled on a leash or secure in a pet taxi or terrarium.
Musical concert planned
Juniata Church of the Brethren, corner of North Ninth Avenue and Third Street, Altoona, will host the musical team of Steve and Apryl Caldwell at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 in a concert with the theme "Rally Day" based on Nehemiah chapter 8.
Blessing of the Pets service
St. John's Reformed Church, 906 Maple Ave., Hollidaysburg will provide a "Blessing of the Pets" service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 in the church parking lot. In addition to blessing the pets, there will be Agility Demonstrations, "Walk By Faith Dog Training" demonstrations, local therapy dog groups, door prizes and free pet treats. Photo opportunities with your pet in front of our fall photo backdrops will also be offered. Rain date is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.
Medieval music concert set
Musica Antiqua of Central Pennsylvania will hold a concert of medieval music, celebrating the 800th Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 W. Howard St., Bellefonte. Performers Carol Pharo, Sean Golder and Maura Sugg will entertain with voice, violin, vielle, recorders, drums and harp. The event is sponsored by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association. For more information, contact Carol Pharo at academyperformingarts@gmail.com.
Healing Mass offered
The Holy Spirit Ministry at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 301 Spruce St., Hollidaysburg, invites you to a Healing Mass with Sacramental Anointing of the Sick at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, presided by Father Alan Thomas. Praise and worship begins at 6:45 p.m.
Rosary rally
The annual America Needs Fatima Public Rosary Rally will be held at noon Saturday,
Oct. 10, at Heritage Plaza, downtown Altoona. In honor of Our Blessed Mother's appearance at Fatima on Oct. 13, 1917, and the Miracle of the Sun, attendees will continue to pray for her intercession for our country and our world.
The event will include the Knights of Columbus, Christian Mothers, Catholic Daughters and music by the Holy Spirit Ministry as the group comes together in Mary's prayer.
Morning refreshments are sponsored by Cathedral Christian Mothers and a luncheon will be provided by the Knights of Columbus.
For more information, contact Carol Galioto at 814-327-4841 or Stu Sibold at 814-935-5035.
Veterans recognition dinner set
The Well Ministry Center will be having a Veterans Recognition dinner "with grateful hearts" at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 at the American Legion Social Hall, 1501 N. Juniata St., Hollidaysburg. Email Welladministration@thewellofbc.org or call 814-201-2548 for reservations by Oct. 6.
Rosary rally offered
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Duncansville, will hold a rosary rally for America Needs Fatima at noon Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine on the campus of St. Catherine of Siena Church. The rally is rain or shine. Contact Dennis via text at 814-215-7776 with questions.
Blessing of the Animals planned
A Blessing of the Animals will be hosted by Altoona area United Methodist clergy at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Jaggard First UMC, 1801 Pleasant Valley Blvd. Join us as we lift gratitude for our animals and welcome God's blessing upon them. All kinds of pets are welcome. Dogs must be on a leash at all times during the event.
Refreshments will be provided by United Methodist Youth. For more information, contact Pastor Rich Hanlon at 412-992-6648 or RHANLON@SUSUMC.ORG.
Fall Foliage festival
Bedford Methodist Church, 132 E. John St., Bedford, will host a fall foliage festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11 in the front yard of the church. Free snacks, drinks, children's activities will be available, as well as continuous live music presented by Jim Miller, Brandi Naugle, John Topper and more.
Chiz Rider concert set
Nationally renowned trumpet recording artist Chiz Rider will present a worshipful concert at Jaggard First United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. The church is at 1801 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona.
With a high-energy yet soulful musical style that blends contemporary jazz, pop and timeless worship, Rider has spent over three decades sharing his gift across the globe. Playing since the age of four, Rider has shared the stage with prominent artists like Michael W. Smith and Newsboys, and has performed at a Billy Graham Crusade and for several U.S. presidents.
Chiz Rider Ministries strives to lead individuals into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to help believers draw closer to Him.
Widow Warriors group to start
A new group is forming to encourage and support widows as they move from grief toward renewed purpose, confidence in Christ, and hope for the future. The group will meet at 9 a.m. on the second Monday of each month at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.
Exercising your faith classes
Everyone is welcome to praise the Lord while exercising at the Christian Dance Fitness class held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays and from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays 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.
DELC partners on karate lessons
Duncansville Evangelical Lutheran Church has partnered with Champion Martial Arts and Master Gates to offer affordable karate instruction to the local youth community.
The new program offers participants the opportunity to develop confidence, discipline, physical fitness and self-defense skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Classes are held at DELC and are open to area youth interested in learning martial arts regardless of experience level.
Classes meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays and from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost is $5 per session.
"This program aligns with our commitment to serving our neighbors and creating opportunities for our area youth to connect and thrive," said Derek Detrich of Duncansville Evangelical Lutheran Church. Register online at mydelc.org/happenings.
For additional information about karate classes or other community programs offered through DELC, visit the church website at mydelc.org or contact the church office at 814-695-0508.
Picnics in the park
The Well Ministry Center is sponsoring Picnics in the Park at Grove Memorial Park, 23rd Street and Sixth Ave., every Tuesday.
A meal will be served at 5:15 p.m., followed by games, crafts and a short message of hope. The whole family is welcome. Rain or shine. The Well is located at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.
Campus of Prayer offered
Altoona Alliance Church, 3220 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, will host the 2nd Pennsylvania Regional Campus of Prayer from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The second six lessons from the "Lord Teach Us to Pray" workbook will be covered. Cost is $20 per person or $30 for couples; ages 18 and under is $10. Cost includes lunch, refreshments during the day and a workbook. To register, visit https://altoona-alliance-church.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3663282
The Campus is open to all those interested in deepening their personal prayer life, and wanting to reach a lost world through a revived, praying church.
Sermon series continues
The Well Ministry Center of Blair County, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona, will offer a 10-week sermon series, "Life in the Pressure Cooker," at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays through Nov. 15, as we turn to God's Word to discover how we can handle life's pressures with faith, hope, strength and trust in Jesus.
Prayer Breakfast planned
The Prayer Breakfast of the Alleghenies will take place from 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Blair County Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Drive, Altoona, bringing together business leaders, government officials, pastors, community leaders and others from throughout the Alleghenies for a morning of prayer, worship, and encouragement. Keynote speaker will be Vince Smith, executive director of the Keystone Family Alliance, a Pennsylvania organization working to mobilize churches and Christians to care for children and families impacted by foster care and adoption. Smith's message will highlight the opportunity for churches and Christians to move beyond simply recognizing the needs of vulnerable children and to become actively involved in serving them. Individual tickets are $30 per person and may be purchased at leadersoffaith.org. Businesses, churches, ministries and organizations can also participate by sponsoring a table.
Following the breakfast, Smith will lead a two-hour workshop on mobilizing the church to serve children and families impacted by foster care at Altoona Alliance Church, 3220 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona. The workshop is free, and no registration is required. For more information, contact Overflow Church at 814-389-1775.
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.