Trending
Free community lunch offered
Free lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Fourth Street Church of God, 21st Avenue and Fourth Street, Altoona. The menu includes fried chicken, mac & cheese, green beans, dinner roll, dessert and beverage.
Sermon series begins Sunday
The Rev. Fred E. Hickok, pastor of Fairview and Jaggard First United Methodist churches, will present 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, Hickok said, noting he will be introducing his favorite historical persons from the Bible.
The series explores the stories of four often-overlooked biblical figures who chose humble, steadfast obedience over personal acclaim:
– Week 1 (Sept. 6): Step into the dust of the wilderness with an 85-year-old warrior whose fierce faith outlasted decades of delay.
– Week 2 (Sept. 13): Stand in the royal court with a prince who willingly laid down his crown to champion God's true anointed king.
– Week 3 (Sept. 20): Walk the shores of Galilee with a humble fisherman who showed that quiet introductions can change the world.
– Week 4 (Sept. 27): Join a radical advocate in the early church who risked his own reputation to offer second chances to outcasts.
"We often focus on the major household names of the Bible," Hickok said. "This series shines a light on the unsung champions who worked faithfully in the background, offering powerful lessons on how we can stand big right where God has placed us."
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.
Clothing, food donations sought
Donations of clothing and non-perishable foods will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren, 1028 Penn St. (Route 36). The church parking lot will serve as a collection site for the American Rescue Workers.
Free lunch served
St. Luke's Episcopal Church's community lunch will be served at noon Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the fellowship hall at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church at 1407 Eighth Ave., right down the street from St. Luke's. The meal is free; donations accepted. The menu this month is a picnic.
Gospel study starts Sept. 9
The gospel according to Mark will be the focus of an 8-week study that begins Wednesday,
Sept. 9, at Christ Community UMC, 5715 Roselawn Ave., Altoona. To register, contact Pastor Rich Hanlon at RHANLON@SUSUMC.ORG.
Participants will have the opportunity to consider how God is at work in their life while exploring the shortest, most action-packed gospel account in the Bible. Bring a Bible and something to write with.
Ox roast meal available
Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren, 1028 Penn St., Hollidaysburg, is hosting an Ox Roast Drive Thru on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. A $12 meal includes an ox roast sandwich, homemade gob, chips and a drink. Proceeds will support the goal of improved accessibility to the church. Call 814-695-0072 for more information.
Night of worship
Holy Spirit Ministry will host a night of worship at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at St. Michael Church. Praise and worship music will be provided by the Holy Spirit worship team and Darlene Zink will share a testimony.
Prayer ministry following the testimony.
Clothing giveaway planned
Christ Community UMC will hold a clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19. The church is at 5715 Roselawn Ave., Altoona. Many miscellaneous items will also be available.
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. Monday, Sept. 14, at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona, and the second Monday of every month.
Exercising your faith to begin
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.
Birth of Mary celebration set
The 45th anniversary Birth of Mary celebration will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8, at St. Catherine of Siena Church and Fatima Shrine, 308 Old Route 22, Duncansville. Mass times are 7 a.m., 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Coffee and donuts will be available in the church hall after the morning Mass.
The rosary will be at 7:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Evening Mass and rosary procession will be at the shrine. Those attending should bring a lawn chair. In case of inclement weather the outdoor mass will be celebrated in the church.
There will be foods, exhibits, a religious raffle, rosary makers and crafts in the church hall.
The day will conclude with birthday cake and beverages for everyone in the church hall.
Celebration announced
Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2121 Fifth Ave., Altoona, will be celebrating the church's 153rd anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 13. Worship begins at 10:45 a.m. with the Rev. Keith R. Moore. A celebratory luncheon will be served after the service.
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,crafts and 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. Any Questions call Donna at 814-569-5561
Juniata Jubilee planned
Juniata United Methodist Church will host Juniata Jubilee, a free community festival open to all Juniata neighborhood residents, from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. The event will be held behind the church along Eighth Avenue between North Fourth and North Fifth streets, which will be closed to traffic for the evening.
Juniata Jubilee is designed as a neighborhood event first -- a chance for residents to gather, share a meal, and enjoy an evening together. Food, baked goods, snacks, and children's activities will be provided at no cost. Organizers are also planning to bring a food truck or two to the festival; those vendors may have a charge. Charlie's D. Train, sponsored by area friends, will provide free rides for children and their families. There will also be free basket giveaways.
Two church congregations, Jaggard First UMC and Holy Rosary are joining in on the celebration along with area organizations.
No registration is required.
For more information, contact Juniata United Methodist Church at 814-942-6065 or juniataumc@atlanticbbn.net.
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, Sept. 11 and Sept. 25, by appointment only. Call Deb by Thursday at 814-207-8293.
Free lunch
Free lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. The menu includes egg salad sandwiches, chicken noodle soup and ice cream for dessert.
Fall hours begin
Fall hours begin Sept. 13 at the Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the worship service at 10:30 a.m.
Church picnic
A carry-in luncheon will be held Sunday, Sept. 13, after the morning worship service at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. The luncheon will be held at the side yard, under the tents.
Movie Night
Movie night will be held Sept. 18 at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. Snacks will be served at 6:15 p.m. and the movie, "Nothing is Impossible," will begin at 7 p.m.
Chicken barbecue available
Chicken barbecue will be available Saturday, Sept. 26, at the 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 are available at the church.
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.
Grief group meets
Healing doesn't happen overnight and that's OK. A grief group will meet every other Thursday at 6 p.m. starting Aug. 20. 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.