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Free meal offered
A community meal will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Fourth Street Church of God, Fourth Street and 21st Avenue, Altoona. The meal includes chicken casserole, peas, garlic bread, applesauce, dessert and drink.
Soup, sandwich sale
Greenwood United Methodist Church, 1505 E. Walton Ave., is holding a soup and sandwich sale. Soups are $12 each and include stuffed pepper or chicken noodle. Loaded ham and cheese sandwiches are $5 each.
To order, call Gail at 814-946-3862. Order deadline is Oct. 11.
Orders can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
Clothing, food donations sought
Donations of clothing and non-perishable foods will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren, 1028 Penn Street (Route 36). The church parking lot will serve as a collection site for the American Rescue Workers. This will be the last collection at this location for 2026.
Worldwide communion
Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue, will celebrate worldwide communion during the 10:30 a.m. worship service Sunday, Oct. 3. There will be feet and hand washing, the agape meal and bread and cup pew communion. All are welcome.
Animal blessing, bake sale set
In honor of the Feast of St. Francis, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., Johnstown, will hold a Blessing of the Animals and autumn bake sale 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in the church courtyard. The memorial headstone for the church's beloved cats, Mark and Maggie, will be dedicated at noon.
Everyone is invited to bring their beloved pet of any species for a special personalized blessing by St. Mark's former priest the Rev. Nancy L. Threadgill. Keep dogs on leashes and other pets gently restrained as appropriate for their species.
Assorted baked goods and other edible items will be available for sale. For additional information, contact the parish office at stmarks@breezelinebiz.net or 814-535-6797.
Veterans recognition dinner
The Well Ministry Center will host 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.
Healing Mass
The Holy Spirit Ministry will host a Healing Mass at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg, with Father Alan Thomas, VG, presiding. There will be sacramental anointing of the sick and prayer ministry. Praise and worship music starts at 6:45 p.m.
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. Fridays, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23, by appointment only. Call Deb by Thursday at 814-207-8293.
Movie night planned
Movie night will be held Friday, Oct. 16, at the Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. Snacks will be available at 6:15 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7 p.m. The movie will be announced at a later date.
Free lunch offered
A free lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue.
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
A grief support group will meet every other Thursday at 6 p.m. at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. The next meeting is Oct. 15. 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. For more information, call 814-201-2548.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Homecoming planned
Calvary United Methodist Church, 167 Blue Ball Road, West Decatur, will be holding Homecoming Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 11, followed by Sunday school and a covered dish lunch at noon. Guest speaker will be former Pastor Rev. Forrest "Bud" Bish. A community breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m.
Those with memories of Calvary United are asked to share those memories by email at dminarch@comcast.net or text to 814-762-6054.
PJs & Pancakes
Children ages kindergarten through fifth grade are invited for a morning of fun, games and lessons at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.
Register by calling the church office at 814-201-2548 and provide your name, phone number, how many children will attend and any known allergies.
Widow Warriors meet
The Widow Warrior group will meet at 9 a.m. the second Monday of each month at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. Participants will find encouragement and support as they move forward from grief toward renewed strength and purpose finding confidence in Chirst and hope in the future.
For more information, call the center at 814-201-2548.
Evangelist to speak
Evangelist and revivalist Ric Wright will teach about prayer and practicing God's presence at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31, and during the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, services at The Well Ministry Center. Offerings will be received. The Well Ministry is at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.
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.
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.
Campus of Prayer offered
Altoona Alliance Church, 3220 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, will host the second 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.
Rosary rally set
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.
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. 10-11 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.
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.
Prayer Breakfast of the Alleghenies
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.