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Concert offered
Valley Voices Community Chorus will hold a festive holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Front St., Philipsburg.
Admission is free with a donation of nonperishable items for the food bank.
Advent services planned
Wehnwood United Methodist Church will host Advent services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays, Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15.
Chiz Rider will present a concert at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. There will be only one service that day.
A candlelight service will be held at 4 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24 and a Carol Sing will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. This service will include an instrumental group playing favorite carols. A brunch and fellowship will be held after the Dec. 29 service.
Holden Evening Prayer
Holden Evening Prayers will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, at Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg. This vespers service is musically rich and easy to sing. The church is at 500 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg. For more information, call the church office at 814-312-7318.
Live Nativity tour offered
Saint Francis University will host a Journey to Bethlehem, guided walking tour/live nativity, Friday, Dec. 6 on its Loretto campus.
This reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey will be brought to life by members of the SFU community. The tour begins in the lobby of SFU's Science Center, next to the Immaculate Conception Chapel. Performance times are every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This immersive experience is inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi's own celebration of the nativity over 800 years ago in Greccio. Combining prayer, music, live animals, and indoor and outdoor settings, Journey to Bethlehem offers a unique and spiritual way to prepare for Christmas. Those attending are asked to bring canned goods or donate to support the Dorothy Day Outreach Center, making the holidays brighter for those in need.
Mass, healing service set
First Friday mass and healing service will be held Dec. 6 at St. Aloysius Church, Cresson. A witness talk begins at 6 p.m. followed by mass at 7 p.m.
Homemade Christmas offered
Children in preschool to sixth grade are invited to The Well for a fun day creating Christmas crafts to keep or give as a gift. The free event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Parents must sign up children for this event.
In addition to crafts, cookies and drinks will be provided. Children must be potty trained to stay without a guardian. Nursery care is available for little ones too young to participate.
To sign up for this event, go to signupgenius.com. On that site, search for this email address: bcburget217@yahoo.com by clicking on the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the page. Then enter the email address when prompted at "Search for a signup." Go to the search page directly at: signupgenius.com/findasignup.
The Well Ministry Center is at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.
Advent of Christmas party
Holy Spirit Ministry will host an Advent of Christmas party at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg. Those attending should bring a dessert to share after the service. This is the last gathering for the year.
Special service planned
For some individuals, it is hard to be merry this time of year. A special worship service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.
People who are grieving, are dealing with a lot of stress, or are not feeling festive over the holiday season will find some comfort. Light refreshments will follow the time of worship.
Blue Christmas service planned
A Blue Christmas service of comfort and hope for those who are hurting this holiday season will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Zion Lutheran Church, 500 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg.
Messiah Sing Along
The Academy of Sacred Music will present a Messiah Sing Along at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren, 1028 Penn St., Hollidaysburg. There is no admission charge; an offering will be collected.
The music is the familiar G.F. Handel's "Messiah," but the members of the audience will hear their own voices ring out as they sing the "Hallelujah" and other choruses from the Christmas portion of the three-part oratorio.
Bob Long, founder of the academy and Hollidaysburg native will conduct.
Although attendees are not required to sing, the academy is encouraging members of choirs and choral groups to bring their Messiah scores and support the concert. Anyone who wants to be part of the event is invited to attend. A few scores will be available for participants to borrow.
Along with audience participation, the concert will feature several local soloists including Amanda Siliker, mezzo-soprano, and James White, bass. Asa Carns will provide accompaniment on the organ. The Messiah offers a unique opportunity for people to enjoy a timeless classic. All are welcome to attend and sing along or just listen.
Christmas hymn sing is Dec. 7
A Christmas hymn sing will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Hollidaysburg Alliance Church, 183 Jefferson St., Hollidaysburg. Special music will be provided by Aunt Janet and the Lone Rambler, Don Wray and Isaac Godby. The song leader will be Tim Long. Keyboards by Elaine Haupt.
There will be Christmas cookies in the social hall after the hymn sing.
Newry Lutheran offers food
Newry Lutheran Church, 1030 Shamrock Lane, will distribute bags of food from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, in the church social hall. Bags will be distributed while supplies last at no charge; no income guidelines exist to receive the bag of nonperishable food items. Bags are distributed monthly; future distribution dates will be held on Dec. 21.
The Meal in a Bag program is a social ministry initiative of Newry Lutheran Church, made possible through grant funding by the Allegheny Synod, ELCA, and donations by members and area businesses. For more information, contact the church office at 814-317-5287.