Metro

Bishop Mark L. Bartchak has issued the following message in advance of the winter storm predicted in central Pennsylvania this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a severe winter weather warning for central Pennsylvania. Severe winter weather is expected to occur Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26. Significant snowfall and high winds are expected. Public safety officials advise against unnecessary travel.

This storm will likely prevent attendance at Sunday Mass at parishes. Church law states that if participation in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration is impossible for a grave cause, Catholics are dispensed/excused from the obligation to participate at Sunday Mass in person. The expected severe weather conditions are a grave cause.

If the faithful are prevented from attending Sunday Mass in person, they should at least view the live Proclaim! TV Mass from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown at 11 a.m. Other televised Masses may be found on EWTN, which usually televises Mass more than once per day. If a TV Mass is not available, the faithful are to spend some time in prayer and reading Sacred Scripture at home.

Weather changes services, event

Due to the anticipated winter storm, Duncansville Evangelical Lutheran Church will hold all services scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25

on Saturday, Jan. 24, instead. Times are 8 and 10 a.m. Both services will be livestreamed and recorded and may be found on Facebook, the DELC website and the MyDELC app.

Bible study will be held between the services on Saturday.

In addition, the Make & Bake Pizza event scheduled for Sunday has been rescheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1.

Wild game meal planned

Crossview Missional Church, 18546 Cooks Run, Cassville, at the former Trough Creek Elementary School, will hold a wild game meal Saturday, Jan. 24. Doors open at 4 p.m., the covered dish meal begins at 5 p.m.

Guest speaker will be Nate Hosie, a native of Montdale, Pa., and co-host of HeadHunters TV on the Outdoor channel.

Those attending are asked to bring a favorite wild game dish or other covered dish to share. Admission is free. Guests will have the opportunity to guest the mystery meat. There will be door prizes, as well.

For more information, contact Freddie McKnight at 814-386-0120.

Hymn sing group planned

Hymns will be featured at the 8:30 a.m. service Sunday, Jan. 25, at The Well Ministry Center. Anyone who would like to join a hymn sing group is invited to call 814-201-2548.

The Well Ministry Center’s mission is Thirsting for the Living God and offering Life Giving Water. The Well is at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.

Movie night set

“I Can Only Imagine” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.

The movie is based on a true story of singer/songwriter Bart Mallard and recounts his abusive childhood and God’s transforming power of redemption.

Popcorn will be available for everyone. Call 814-201-2548 if you are interested in attending. The movie is the story behind the song “I Can Only Imagine” by the contemporary Christian group Mercy Me.

Grief Group organized

The Grief Group at The Well Ministry Center is a gathering of men and women who are going through the loss of loved ones. We are here to comfort anyone that feels lost, alone and shares in understanding those feelings. The group meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at The Well, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona.

Coin club meets

The Coin Club will meet at Faith Baptist Church of Altoona from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 and April 4. The club will meet in the church basement. Each participant will be required to purchase two Penny Books to display pennies from 1959 to 2025. Pennies will be provided to search for needed dates to complete books. Books cost $10.

Anyone interested should contact the church office at 814-944-2894 or email fbc@fbcaltoona.org.

Free soup program continues

First Presbyterian Church, Penn and Walnut streets, will host the Hollidaysburg Churches’ Free Soup Program on Saturday, Jan. 24. The lunches are held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meals include hot soup, bread, butter, dessert and choice of coffee, tea and water. The meal is free; donations accepted.

The rest of the schedule is as follows:

– Jan. 31 and Feb. 7 – First Presbyterian Church, Penn and Walnut streets.

– Feb. 14 and Feb. 21 – St. Mary Catholic Church, Mulberry and Clark streets.

– Feb. 28 and March 7 – St. John’s Reformed Church, 906 Maple Ave.

– March 14 and March 21 – Hollidaysburg Church Of The Brethren – Penn and Hawthorne streets.

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

11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, by appointment only. Call Deb at 814-207-8293.

Food distribution set

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, Jan. 29.

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

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. 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.

Sight and Sound trip planned

The Mission Central HUB is hosting a bus trip to Lancaster on April 9 to view Sight and Sound Theatres’ new production “Joshua.” The cost is $198 adults and $129 (12 and under). Price includes travel, show and meal. To reserve a spot, call 814-329-1074.