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Grace's Closet at Grace Lutheran Church, 1114 N. Cambria St., Bellwood, will host a clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22. Winter clothing is available. Masks are optional. For more information, call the church at 814-742-7501 or 814-742-7416.
Bible study planned
Duncansville Lutheran Church will hold a weekly Bible study from 6 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the church, 1200 Fourth Ave., Duncansville.
Live drive-thru nativity
The Christmas story unfolds scene-by-scene in Highland Park as Faith Baptist Church presents its dramatic narrative from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Guests can drive through in the comfort of their own car with in-vehicle audio and refreshments at no charge, as live actors and animals present the Christmas story as told in Luke's Gospel.
The event is free and includes audio tracks, printed materials, popcorn and hot chocolate.
The starting point is at 315 40th St., Altoona.
Christmas program features choir
An Advent of Christmas program will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, 1 Cathedral Square, Altoona. The event is free; donations accepted.
The program will include music, readings and dance and feature the Cathedral Festival Choir, with Robert Long, conductor; Barb Bettwy, concert designer; and Alicia Lombardo, choreographer.
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. Fridays, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, by appointment only. Call Deb at 814-207-8293.
Free lunch offered
Free community lunch will be served from 11 to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. The menu includes ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables and dessert.
Cookie walk planned
Greenwood United Methodist Church will host a Cookie Walk at the church, 1505 E. Walton Ave., Altoona, from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13. The cost is $10 a box.
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.
Free lunch offered
A holiday meal celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Altoona Restoration Church of God, 911 N. Third St., Altoona. The menu will include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing balls, vegetables, rolls/butter, desserts and drinks. All are welcome.
Christmas cantata
First Methodist Church of Hollidaysburg will present "Sing Christmas," a unique Christmas event to highlight the season. This dynamic Christmas cantata for choristers and instrumental ensemble, blends seamlessly the message of the Christ-child in Bethlehem in song for all ages to enjoy. The event will be held at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, with gathering music beginning 15 minutes prior to each worship hour. The church is at 801 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg. Call 814-650-5847 for more information.
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.
Holden Evening Prayer planned
Celebrate and anticipate the Light of the World with Holden Evening Prayer at Zion Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, compliment your Advent preparations with this unique Vespers service. Holden Evening Prayer is musically rich and easy to sing. The church is at 500 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg.
Messiah sing-along
The Academy of Sacred Music will present a Messiah Sing-along at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren, 1028 Penn St., Hollidaysburg. There is no admission charge; an will offering will be accepted.
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 soloists Julie Hanlon soprano, Arlene Huth, mezzo-soprano, Thomas Delahoy, tenor and James White, bass. Asa Carns will provide accompaniment on the organ, along with a string quartet. The Messiah offers a unique opportunity for people to enjoy a timeless classic. All are welcome to attend and sing along or just listen.
Blue Christmas services offered
Area churches offer Blue services for those who are depressed, lonely and mourning loss at this time of year.
– Juniata United Methodist Church, 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona, will hold its Blue Christmas Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. For more information, contact the Juniata United Methodist Church office at 814-942-6065 or visit juniataumc.net
– Zion Lutheran Church, 500 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg, will hold a service of comfort and hope at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.
– A Blue Christmas service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.
Free lunch served
Providence Presbyterian Church, 2401 Broad Ave., Altoona, will serve a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to
1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. The Christmas lunch will include roast beef, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, desserts and beverages.
Christmas drama/musical
The Christmas drama/musical, "All Things Are Possible," written and directed by AAC member Kim Bennett, will be presented at Altoona Alliance Church at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, and at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
All are welcome. The Altoona Alliance Church is at 3220 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, Pa. 16602
Caroling at the VA home Caroling will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the VA home in Hollidaysburg. Anyone who would like to join in is asked to sign up at
The Well Ministry Center, 814-201-2548. The Well is at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.
Christmas Eve services
– Jaggard First UM Church will host a Christmas Eve Service at 5 p.m.
Dec. 24. The service will include the singing of carols, a sermon by the Rev. Fred Hickok, the sacrament of Holy Communion (membership is not required). A candlelight service will conclude worship. Guests and visitors are always welcome. The church is at 1801 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona. For more information, call 814-599-8104.
– Fairview UM Church will host a Christmas Service Eve at 3 p.m. Dec. 24. Worship will include singing of carols, sermon by the Rev. Fred Hickok, a Christmas Tableau, the sacrament of Holy Communion (membership is not required) and a candlelight service. The church is at 2214 Fifth St., Altoona.
For more information, call 814-599-8104.
– Christmas Eve Services will be held at 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 24 at Duncansville Lutheran, 1200 Forth Ave., Duncansville.
– A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Juniata Church of the Brethren, 306 N. Ninth Ave., Juniata. The theme is "The Season Remember the Reason." The service will feature the congregational choir singing songs of the season under the direction of Leonard Alwine and organist Esther Wharton. Pastor Robert Wharton will speak on "One Silent Night that was not Silent," based on the text of Luke 2:13-14. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served after the service. For transportation, call the church office at 814-944-6725.
– Second Avenue Global Methodist, 130 Second Ave., Altoona. The services are as follows: 4:30 p.m. Traditional Candlelight; 7 p.m. Contemporary Candlelight.
Also, there will be a "blue" service for those grieving/having difficulty with the holidays at 6 p.m. on Dec. 22.
Christmas morning service
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2121 Fifth Ave., Altoona, will host a Christmas morning service at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 25. The Rev. Ruth S. Moore will present the message. All are welcome to celebrate the Christmas miracle. The church is led by Pastor Keith R. Moore.
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.
Wreath of Christ services set
Take a breath in the midst of a busy week with a short, contemplative prayer service at Zion Lutheran Church, 500 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg. Services are held Wednesdays, Jan. 14 and Jan. 28. The "Wreath of Christ" prayer service uses beads, chimes and breathing exercises for a meditative midweek reset. Bring your own Wreath of Christ or borrow a set of ours for use during the service. Use the Union Street entrance. The service is in the church theater, located in the basement.
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.