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Spiritual Notes

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Fall festival is Saturday

The Ashville Community Fall Festival, benefitting the Ashville Volunteer Fire Company and

St. Thomas Aquinas Church, will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Living Treasures Zoo to You will be on hand for photos with a variety of animals.

In addition, there will be food and craft vendors, children's games and activities, a rummage sale and basket raffle.

Heritage Fair is Sept. 19

The Middle PA District Church of the Brethren will host its annual Heritage Fair on Saturday, 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.

Dinner aids those in need

The Society of St Vincent de Paul, St. Therese of The Child Jesus Conference, will serve a spaghetti and meatball dinner (gluten free option available), along with salad, dessert and beverage from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, in Father Kelly Hall, corner of 25th Avenue and Fifth Street, Altoona.

Adult tickets are $10, children (ages 3 to 10) $5, under 3 can eat for free.

There will also be two gift card board raffles valued at $400 each and a lottery ticket tree raffle.

The benefit is to raise money to continue helping the poor in the community.

Joyful Noise service is Sunday

A Joyful Noise service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Juniata United Methodist Church. This service is intended for children with autism, PDD-NOS, ADHD, Down syndrome, and any other developmental/ physical challenges and families with young children.

The joy-filled service will bring together children with and without disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn from one another about God's love for them: all in an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.

The service will be lively with combinations of music, movement, prayer and Bible stories. This is an opportunity for children and adults to learn about Jesus for them and all God's people.

For more information, contact the Juniata United Methodist Church, 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona, at 814-942-6065 or email at juniataumc@atlanticbbn.net.

Dinner and fall fest planned

St. Demetrius Parish in Gallitzin will host its annual chicken barbecue dinner and fall festival on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the parish Activity Center (St. Mary's Gym), 606 Church St., Gallitzin. Dinner includes a half barbecue chicken, green beans, potato, roll and dessert for $15. Dine-in or takeout available starting at 11 a.m. until sold out. The festival features a rummage sale, bake sale, games and a basket raffle.

Campfire church offered

Campfire Church will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Christ Community UMC, 5715 Roselawn Ave., Altoona. Snacks will be provided. The event will move indoors if it rains.

Food pantry distribution

St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Eighth Avenue and 13th Street, Altoona, will hold its monthly food pantry distribution from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.

Food distribution is done on a drive-thru basis. More information is available on the church website or Facebook page, or call the church at 814-942-1372. Leave a message and calls will be returned.

Chiz Rider concert

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.

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.

Tickets are $20 and must be purchased by Oct. 1. Purchase tickets online at www.preciouslifeinc.com or call 814-944-2669.

Sermon series continues

The Rev. Fred E. Hickok, pastor of Fairview and Jaggard First United Methodist churches, is presenting 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:

ö Week 3 (Sept. 20): Walk the shores of Galilee with a humble fisherman who showed that quiet introductions can change the world.

ö 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.

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.

Greenwood 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 20. 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.

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. on the second Monday of each month at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.

Exercising your faith classes open

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 . For more information, 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. Friday, 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 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. Tickets can also be ordered by contacting Deb at 814-207-8293. Deadline to purchase tickets is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Limited tickets may be available at the door the day of the barbecue.

Free movie

The movie, "Nothing is Impossible," will be shown Friday, Sept. 18, at the Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. Snacks will be served at 6:15 p.m.; the movie begins at 7 p.m.

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.

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. For more information, call Donna at 814-569-5561.

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. Tickets can also be ordered by contacting Deb at 814-207-8293. Deadline to purchase tickets is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Limited tickets may be available at the door the day of the barbecue.

Exercising your faith classes open

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 punch card; health insurance fitness plans accepted. For more information, call Groove Fitness at 814-329-3091.

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 dauber 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. on the second Monday of each month at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.

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. Friday, Sept. 25, by appointment only. Call Deb by Thursday at 814-207-8293.

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.

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