Metro

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 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.

Christmas Eve services

– Christmas Eve candlelight 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. The service includes congregational singing and pew communion. The service ends with “Silent Night,” with the congregation gathering in a circle for the candle lighting. All are welcome to come experience the real meaning of Christmas.

– Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., downtown Johnstown. Refreshments available after the service. To participate via Zoom, contact the Rev. Nancy Threadgill at revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net or 814-535-6797 in advance of the event to obtain login information.

Christmas Mass times for Blair County parishes

– Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona

Christmas Eve: 5 p.m., Midnight; Christmas Day: 8 a.m., 10 a.m.

– Our Lady of Lourdes, Altoona

Christmas Eve: 4:30 p.m.; Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

– Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Altoona

Christmas Eve: 4 p.m., 5 p.m. (Assumption Chapel), Midnight; Christmas Day: 9:30 a.m. (Assumption Chapel), 11 a.m.

– Sacred Heart, Altoona

Christmas Eve: 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Christmas Day: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

– St. Catherine of Siena, Duncansville

Christmas Eve: 5 p.m., 9 p.m.; Christmas Day: 9:30 a.m.

– St. John the Evangelist, Altoona

Christmas Eve: 4 p.m., 10 p.m.; Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

– St. Joseph, Bellwood

Christmas Eve: 4 p.m., 9 p.m.; Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

– St. Mary, Altoona

Christmas Eve: 4 p.m., Midnight; Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

– St. Mary, Hollidaysburg

Christmas Eve: 4 p.m.; Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m.

– St. Matthew, Tyrone

Christmas Eve: 5:30 p.m., Midnight; Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m.

– St. Michael, Hollidaysburg

Christmas Eve: 4 p.m., 10 p.m.; Christmas Day: 8:30 a.m.

– St. Rose of Lima, Altoona

Christmas Eve: 4 p.m., 7 p.m., Midnight; Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

– St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Altoona

Christmas Eve: 5 p.m., Midnight; Christmas Day: 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Clothing offered

Grace’s Closet at Grace Lutheran Church, 1114 N. Cambria St., Bellwood, will host a clothing giveaway 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.

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, Dec. 19, by appointment only. Call Deb at 814-207-8293.

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.

Joyful Noise service set

A Joyful Noise Service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 21 at Juniata United Methodist Church. This service is intended for children with autism, PDD-NOS, ADHD, Down’s 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 themselves 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.

Blue Christmas services offered

Area churches offer Blue services for those who are depressed, lonely and mourning loss at this time of year.

– 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.

– A Blue Christmas service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., downtown Johnstown. To participate via Zoom, contact the Rev. Nancy Threadgill at revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net or 814-535-6797 in advance of the event to obtain login information.

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. Altoona Alliance Church is at 3220 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona.

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 Fourth Ave., Duncansville.

– A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at 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.

– Juniata United Methodist Church, 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona, will host a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24. For more information, contact the Juniata United Methodist Church office at 814-942-6065 or web at juniataumc.net.

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.

Greening of the Church, brunch planned

Holy Eucharist Rite I begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, in-person and via Zoom at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., downtown Johnstown. Children’s Church begins at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

A potluck brunch and the Greening of the Church follow the worship service. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to share if you are able. Stay to help prepare the church for the upcoming Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. All are welcome.

To participate via Zoom, contact the Rev. Nancy Threadgill at revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net or 814-535-6797 in advance of the event to obtain login information.

Christmas lessons, carols

Christmas lessons and carols service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 28 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., downtown Johnstown. The service consists of Bible readings and hymns for the liturgical season of Christmas. Episcopalians celebrate the season of Christmas from Christmas Day through the Day before Epiphany Jan. 5. Enjoy music presented by our wonderful pipe organist and choir and participate in sing-a-longs of familiar hymns. Coffee hour follows the service. Masks are optional. All are welcome.

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.

New Year’s Eve prayer time

The prayer team at The Well Ministry Center will be holding a prayer time at 5 p.m. New Year’s Eve. Sauerkraut and hot dogs will be available. Everyone is invited to end the year with prayer and thanksgiving, and pray for a blessed 2026. Call the office at 814-201-2548 if you plan to attend to ensure plenty of goodies. The Well Ministry Center is at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.

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.