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Free clothing, food offered
The Geeseytown Lutheran Church, 462 Route 22, Hollidaysburg, will hold a free clothing and nonperishable food giveaway from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Future clothing giveaways will be held on the first Saturday of each month, weather permitting.
Advent Quiet Day
An Advent Quiet Day will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 6, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., Johnstown. The free event is offered in-person and via Zoom.
A Quiet Day is a period of respite when time is set aside to be quiet, spend some time with God and refresh your spirit for the days ahead. Quiet Days frequently are held during Advent and Lent. Though the structure of the event remains the same from year to year, the theme differs for each event.
The theme of the 2025 Advent Quiet Day is "Quietness in Scripture."
The event consists of alternating periods of meditation and quiet time followed by final prayers and a vegetarian lunch. During quiet time there are activities set up in the parish hall for relaxation and books available for learning or you may find a quiet spot in the church or offices to read and/or meditate. Participants are asked not to talk until after the final prayers. If you are at home, please consider the quiet times as sabbath time and be as quiet as possible.
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.
Free lunch offered
A free community meal will be served from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Fourth Street Church of God, Fourth Street and 21st Avenue. The meal includes ham, green beans, cheesy potatoes, dinner roll, dessert and drink.
University to host Live Nativity
Saint Francis University will host Journey to Bethlehem, a guided walking Live Nativity, on Friday, Dec. 5, with two performance times 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. This heartfelt reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey, brought to life by members of the SFU community, begins in the lobby of SFU's Science Center, located next to the Immaculate Conception Chapel.
This immersive experience is inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi's own celebration of the nativity over 800 years ago in Greccio. Combining prayer, music, live animals, and indoor and outdoor settings, Journey to Bethlehem offers a unique and spiritual way to prepare for Christmas. Attendees are invited to extend their goodwill by contributing canned goods or donating to support the Dorothy Day Outreach Center, making the holidays brighter for those in need.
Family movie night
Family movie night, featuring "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," will be held at 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 5, at the Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. Those attending should bring a blanket, pillows, bean bag chair or anything to make it a cozy experience. There will be free popcorn, pizza, hot chocolate and cookies. All are welcome. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. For information or to RSVP so there will be enough goodies, call the church at 814-201-2548.
Songs of the season
In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Llyswen UMC, 308 Coleridge Ave., Altoona, will host Songs of the Season at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the sanctuary. A time of fellowship will follow the carol singing.
Bible study planned
Duncansville Lutheran Church will hold a weekly bible study from 6 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 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. 11-Dec. 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.
Choir program set
An Advent of Christmas program will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the 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 a.m. 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.
PEACE Initiative continues
Christ Community UMC, 5715 Roselawn Ave., Altoona, will continue offering the PEACE Initiative with two new book studies concerning social issues and the Christian faith. At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10, the discussion will be on "Addiction Nation: What the Opioid Crisis Reveals About Us" by Timothy McMahan King. Participants are encouraged to read the books before attending the sessions.
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.
Cookie walk planned
The 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.
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.
Community lunch offered
St. Luke's Episcopal Church's community lunch will be served at noon Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the fellowship hall at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1407 Eighth Ave., down the street from St Luke's. The meal is free.
The menu this month is Christmas dinner with appetizers, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert.
Messiah sing-along
The Academy of Sacred Music will present a Messiah Sing-along at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the 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 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.
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.
Recital benefits 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.
Shoe bank available
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 12 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
Grief support group offered
Juniata United Methodist Church, 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona, offers a support group where connections are made, empathy is offered and respect is provided to those who are grieving. The group meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month with Pastor Denise Haskins, certified grief educator. The group meeting acknowledges the pain, offers comfort, provides the opportunity for individuals to share, and provides support to individuals as they live with a new reality of the loss of a loved one in his/her life. All are welcome.
For more information, contact the church at 814-942-6065 or email juniataumc@atlanticbbn.net.
Exercising your faith
Everyone is welcome to praise the Lord while exercising at the Christian Dance Fitness class from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays 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.
Kids' music groups meet
Zion Lutheran Church, 500 Allegheny St., has regularly meeting music groups for kids of all ages. NOIZ, ages 4 through sixth grade, and "BIG" NOIZ, seventh grade and up, provide opportunities for singing, hand bells, music theory and even songwriting. Participants are not required to sing and no musical experience is necessary. Sessions are led by Director of Faith Formation and Outreach Ryan Custead and explore how we use music in our life of faith. NOIZ and "BIG" NOIZ also offer music in worship throughout the year. The free program meets in Zion's upstairs kids' music room, and all ages are welcome to start attending any time.
NOIZ meets from 9 to 9:30 a.m. every Sunday from September to May and "BIG" NOIZ meets from 10 to 10:30 a.m. every first and third Sunday from September to May. Both meet in Zion's upstairs kids' music room. For more information, call or email the church office at 814-695-0091 or office@zionhollidaysburg.org.
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.