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Food distribution is Saturday
Newry Lutheran Church, 1030 Shamrock Land, Newry, will distribute bags of food from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Bags will include food items for preparing a Thanksgiving meal and will be distributed while supplies last. There are no income guidelines needed to receive food.
The Meal in a Bag program is a social ministry initiative of Geeseytown-Newry Lutheran Parish made possible through grant funding from the Allegheny Synod, Newry Lions Club, Stewardship of Life’s Feast of Abundance grant, and donations by members and community members.
For more information, contact the church office at 814-317-5287.
Thanksgiving worship planned
The Altoona/Tyrone Cluster of the 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. A collection of funds and donations of children’s socks and underwear will benefit Logan Elementary School students.
Thanksgiving eve services set
– A Thanksgiving eve service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Juniata Church of the Brethren, 306 N. Ninth Ave., Juniata. There will be congregational singing of Thanksgiving carols. The Faith Sunday school class will present a vignette, "The Blessings, Blunders and Bounties of Thanksgiving." There will be time for the congregation to share blessings, joys and concerns, with everyone asked to build an ABC list of things for which they are thankful. Pastor Robert Wharton will give a message based on Psalm 103. A gift of harvest will be given to all who attend.
For transportation, call the church office at 814-944-6725.
– A Hollidaysburg community Thanksgiving service, sponsored by the Hollidaysburg Area Ministerium, will be held at 7 p.m. Thanksgiving eve, Nov. 26, at Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren, Penn Street (Rt. 36). The Hollidaysburg Community Chorus will sing. The offering will go to the American Rescue Workers. Area pastors will participate and refreshments will follow the service.
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. 21, by appointment only. Call Deb at 814-207-8293.
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. 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.
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.
Hanging of the Greens service
Juniata United Methodist Church, 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona, will host a Hanging of the Greens service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. A luncheon will follow. The public is welcome to celebrate the first Sunday of Advent and experience the tradition of preparing for the Christmas season.
For more information, contact the Juniata United Methodist Church office at 814-942-6065 or web at juniataumc.net.
Celebration planned
Advent of Christmas celebration will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg. There will be praise and worship with the worship team. Those attending are asked to bring a favorite snack, appetizer or dessert to share in the church hall as the group gathers for fellowship to end the year.
Family movie night
Family movie night, featuring "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," will be held at 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 5, at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. Those attending should bring a blanket, pillows, bean bag chair or anything to make it a cozy experience. There will be free popcorn, pizza, hot chocolate and cookies. All are welcome. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. For information or to RSVP so there will be enough goodies, call the church at 814-201-2548.
University to host Nativity
Saint Francis University will host Journey to Bethlehem, a guided walking Live Nativity, on Friday, Dec. 5, with two performance times at 7 and 8 p.m. This heartfelt reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey, brought to life by members of the SFU community, begins in the lobby of SFU's Science Center, located next to the Immaculate Conception Chapel.
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. Attendees are invited to extend their goodwill by contributing canned goods or donating to support the Dorothy Day Outreach Center, making the holidays brighter for those in need.
Songs of the season
In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Llyswen UMC, 308 Coleridge Ave., Altoona, will host Songs of the Season at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the sanctuary. A time of fellowship will follow the carol singing.
Cookies with Santa
Cookies with Santa will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Bethany United Methodist Church, 700 Farren St., Portage. Everyone is invited to this fundraiser that benefits the church's children’s programs. The cost is $15 and includes a dozen cookies, icing and sprinkles for decorating and a photo backdrop for photos with Santa. For more information, call the church at 814-736-8651 or message the church through Facebook.
Advent hymn sing
Christ Reformed Church, 502 Main St., Alexandria, will host an advent hymn sing at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Everyone is invited to join in singing favorite psalms, hymns and carols, followed by a time of fellowship and snacks.
For more information, visit CRCAlexandria.org or call 814-669-4135.
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.
Shoe bank available
The Juniata United Methodist Church Angel Feet Ministry provides a sneaker shoe bank service to children birth to ninth 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.
Grief support group offered
Juniata United Methodist Church, 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona, offers a support group where connections are made, empathy is offered and respect is provided to those who are grieving. The group meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month with Pastor Denise Haskins, certified grief educator. The group meeting acknowledges the pain, offers comfort, provides the opportunity for individuals to share, and provides support to individuals as they live with a new reality of the loss of a loved one in his/her life. All are welcome.
For more information, contact the church at 814-942-6065 or email 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.
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.