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Clothing giveaway
Grace's Closet at Grace Lutheran Church, 1114 N. Cambria St., Bellwood, will host a clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12. Fall clothing is now available. Masks are optional. For more information, call the church at 814-742-7501 or 814-742-7416.
Mount Zion celebrates
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.
Family conference sign-ups due
In the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation, Family, and Youth Ministry is sponsoring a Family Conference on Sept. 19 at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Ebensburg. The daylong gathering will be a signature event combining the diocese's usual men's, women's, and youth conferences this year.
Nationally recognized speaker and musician Steve Angrisano will be the keynote presenter. Through his music and words, Angrisano will reflect on what it means to be the "Body of Christ" in the Church of Altoona-Johnstown.
Those wishing to register may do so through the Family Conference section of the diocesan website or by completing the sheet in the program books available at any parish in the diocese. The registration deadline is today, Friday, Sept. 11.
Juniata Jubilee is Sunday
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.
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 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.
Sermon series continues
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.
The series which began Sept, 6, explores the stories of four often-overlooked biblical figures who chose humble, steadfast obedience over personal acclaim:
– 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.
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.
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.
Free lunch offered
Providence Presbyterian Church, 2401 Broad Ave., Altoona, will serve a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept 19. Lunch will include a sloppy joe sandwich, a variety of homemade soups, desserts, fruit and beverages.
Church celebrates 100 years
Greenwood United Methodist Church will celebrate 100 years in the building at 1505 E. Walton Ave., Altoona, with a service of praise and worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept 10. Lunch will follow the service. Those attending are asked to RSVP to 814-934-1866.
The celebration will begin with a worship service featuring special music, remarks by members, rededication of the building and recognition of long-term members.
Pastor Calvin Miller will speak on a faithful response, "Remembering the Journey."
The Greenwood congregation is the successor of the Old Sandy Run Church and dates back to the early 1860s. In 1897, the group became a part of Bellwood-
Greenwood charge. In 1904, Greenwood was made an independent mission and continues to be one.
Plans were made to build a church and parsonage on East Walton Avenue in 1922. The building cost $45,000. The brick building was dedicated on Sept. 12, 1926.
Since then, 30 pastors have served the congregation.
Heritage Fair is Sept. 19
The Middle PA District Church of the Brethren will host its annual Heritage Fair Sept. 19 at Camp Blue Diamond in Petersburg. There will be food, kids' activities, homemade crafts and auction and more. Breakfast is from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. The Polar Bear Plunge takes place at 7 a.m. Booths and activities are open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dessert auction is slated from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by the regular auction from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pumpkin fest begins at 1 p.m.
Heritage Fair is a fundraiser supporting the ministries of Camp Blue Diamond and the Middle PA District Church of the Brethren.
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 dobber and five special games.
For information and tickets, contact the parish office at 814-944-4603.
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 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.
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. Any questions, call Donna at 814-569-5561.
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.
Chicken barbecue available
Chicken barbecue will be available 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 are available at the church.
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.
Shoes available to those in need
The Juniata United Methodist Church Angel Feet Ministry provides a sneaker shoe bank service to children birth to 9th 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 more than a dozen 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.
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.