Night of worship set

Holy Spirit Ministry will host a night of worship with Eucharistic Adoration at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg. Speaker will be Father Alan Thomas.

Chicken, biscuit dinners

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will host a take-out chicken & biscuit dinner on Saturday Feb. 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parish Hall located at 335 Locust St., downtown Johnstown.

Each meal includes chicken & biscuit, mashed potatoes with gravy, strawberry-spinach salad with poppyseed dressing, and cake. Price is $10.00 per meal.

Take-out only. Meals must be ordered in advance. To order take-out dinners call (814) 535-6797 or email stmarks@breezelinebiz.net

Proceeds from the take-out dinner benefit St. Mark’s Ministries.

Threadgill to lead services

All are invited to join the Rev. Nancy Threadgill, Priest-in-Charge of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, as she leads both Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist and Ashes to Go for the last time prior to her retirement on Sunday, March 1.

The Ash Wednesday liturgy with imposition of ashes will be offered in the church sanctuary at 7:30 p.m. in-person and via Zoom. Masks are optional. Everyone is welcome. To participate via Zoom, contact Threadgill at revnancy-stmarks@breezelinebiz.net or 814-535-6797 in advance of the service to obtain the login information.

If you do not have time to participate in an Ash Wednesday worship service, but would like to have ashes imposed on you, try Ashes to Go at Statue of Morley’s Dog Park across from City Hall in downtown Johnstown. Threadgill will be on hand to impose ashes from 8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Ashes to Go are free. Everyone is welcome to participate.

The Reverend Nancy Threadgill will be retiring from her position as Priest-in-Charge of St. Mark’s, Johnstown, effective following the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Service on March 1. She has served St. Mark’s since November 2014 and, in recent months, has served as a regular supply priest for St. Francis in the Fields, Somerset. She has also been active at the diocesan level, wrapping up terms on the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council at the end of 2025. In addition, she has served as chaplain for numerous Johnstown events. Threadgill intends to remain a resident in Johnstown following her retirement.

Food pantries open

– The food pantry at Faith Baptist Church of Altoona, 315 40th St., Altoona, will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17. There are no income guidelines. Participants are asked to sign in and provide the number of individuals in the family to ensure enough supplies. For more information, call the church at 814-944-2894.

– 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. Fridays, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27, by appointment only. Call Deb at 814-207-8293.

Bible study planned

Duncansville Lutheran will hold a Bible study every Wednesday night during lent at 5:15 p.m. The dates of the Bible study are Feb. 25, March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25.

Coin club meets

The Coin Club will meet at Faith Baptist Church of Altoona from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 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.

Clothing giveaway planned

Grace’s Closet at Grace Lutheran Church, 1114 N. Cambria St., Bellwood, will host a clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb 14. Winter clothing is available. Masks are optional. For more information, call the church at 814-742-7501 or 814-742-7416.

Free lunch

A free community lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue. The meal will include tomato soup, toasted cheese sandwiches and dessert.

Healing through community

Grief is a journey no one should walk alone. The grief support group meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. This is a safe place to share, heal and find hope and comfort. For more information, call 814-201-2548.

Free soup program continues

St. Mary Catholic Church, Mulberry and Clark streets, will host the Hollidaysburg Churches’ Free Soup Program on Saturdays, Feb. 14 and Feb. 21. 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:

– 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.

UM churches host service

Juniata United Methodist Church, in partnership with other United Methodist congregations throughout the Altoona area, invites the community to a joint Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. The service will be held at Juniata United Methodist Church, 808 N. Fourth St., Altoona.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season when Christians prepare for Easter through fasting, repentance and spiritual discipline. The observance emphasizes two central themes: recognition of human sinfulness before God and awareness of human mortality — both of which are redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During the service, worshipers may receive the imposition of ashes on their foreheads in the sign of the cross, an ancient practice that uses ashes as a symbol of repentance and mortality. The ritual recalls God’s words in Genesis 3:19: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return,” which calls believers to recognize their humanity while remembering the hope found in Christ.

The service provides an opportunity for the community to gather in worship and begin the Lenten journey together. For more information, please contact Juniata United Methodist Church at juniataumc@atlanticbbn.net or 814.942.6065.

Fat Tuesday dinner offered

The Lenten season will begin with a Fat Tuesday dinner at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Duncansville Evangelical Lutheran Church.

On Ash Wednesday, the church will offer two services of worship and imposition of ashes — at noon, the spoken service will be in the chapel; at 6 p.m., the full service will be in the Nave.

Fellowship and dinner will be held at 6 p.m. each Wednesday beginning Feb. 25 and continuing throughout Lent.

Free lunch offered

Second Avenue Global Methodist Church, 130 Second Ave., Altoona, will hold a free luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Dine in or take out available.

Ash Wednesday services

– Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona — 8 a.m. Mass, noon Mass, 3 p.m. Distribution of Ashes, 5:30 p.m. Mass

– St. Rose of Lima, Altoona — 8:30 a.m. Mass, noon Distribution of Ashes, 7 p.m. Mass

– St. John the Evangelist, Altoona — 8:30 a.m. Mass, 6 p.m. mass

– Our Lady of Fatima, Altoona — 6 p.m. Mass

– Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Altoona — 7 a.m. Mass, 12:05 p.m. Mass, 5:30 p.m. Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes (Assumption Chapel), 7 p.m. Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes

– Sacred Heart, Altoona — 7:45 a.m. Mass, 11:30 a.m. Mass, 5:30 p.m. Mass

– St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Altoona — 8:30 a.m. Mass, Distribution of Ashes following Mass, noon Distribution of Ashes, 5:30 p.m. Mass with Distribution of Ashes following Mass

– St. Mary, Altoona — 9 a.m. Mass, 4 p.m. Mass

– St. Catherine of Siena, Duncansville — 7 a.m. Mass, 12:05 p.m. Liturgy of the Word (with ashes), 6:30 p.m. Mass

Stations of the Cross scheduled

The faithful are invited to pray Stations of the Cross throughout Lent. The following are the dates and times at various Blair County parishes in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.

– Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona — Fridays at 5:30 p.m.

– St. Rose of Lima, Altoona — Fridays at 5 p.m.

– St. John the Evangelist, Altoona — Fridays with Adoration at 5 p.m., and Stations of the Cross at 5:30 p.m.

– Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Altoona — Every Friday in Lent, except Good Friday, 2 p.m. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 5:30 p.m. Assumption Chapel

– Sacred Heart, Altoona — Fridays at 5:30 p.m.

– St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Altoona — Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (except Good Friday)

– St. Mary, Altoona — Fridays, Feb. 20, March 6, March 20 at 6 p.m.

– Our Lady of Fatima, Altoona — Fridays, Feb. 27, March 13, March 27 at 6 p.m.

– St. Catherine of Siena, Duncansville — Fridays at 6:30 p.m.

Lenten musical meditation

Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College, will host a Lenten Musical Meditation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. The free program includes a choir of more than 90 singers from 14 churches will present “I Believe: Songs of Faith, Hope and Joy.” The concert will include strings, a jazz mass and handbell choir.

The program focuses on the Nicene Creed, the foundational statement of Christians around the world as it celebrates 1700 years. Highlights are Vivaldi’s Credo with organ and strings; Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass with jazz combo; and Onovwerosuoke’s Afro-Caribbean Credo. The program also includes selections by Brenda Austin and Cathy Moklebust rung by The Bells of Grace and several congregational hymns.

A community meal is available from 5 p.m.; prelude music by Nittany Brass begins at 6:40 p.m. There is no cost to attend; offerings accepted.

For more information, call 814-238-2478.

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.

Concert is March 15

A Christian concert with Grammy- and Dove-nominated country/bluegrass artist Rhett Walker, special guest Olivia Lane and local opener Follow will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 15, at Second Avenue Church, 130 Second Ave., Altoona.

General admission tickets are $20, with admission opening at 5:45 p.m. Early admission entry is 5:15 p.m. and tickets for that are $27.50. Tickets for a meet and greet with early admission, beginning at 4:45 p.m., are $32.50. There are online ticketing fees.

To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/rhett-walker-faith-family-tour-tickets-1981151536577?aff=oddtdtcreator

Lenten lunch series offered

Wehnwood United Methodist Church will host Lenten lunches with guest speakers. Donations will be accepted to support food ministries.

“The Great Way: A Heart Prepared for the Cross” series includes: Feb 25: “Love Mercy,” Pastor David Poole; March 4: “Do Justice,” Rev. Dr. Randy Willis; March 11: “Walk Humbly,” Rev. Ed Preston; March 18: “Love God,” Rev. Denise Haskins; March 25: “Love Your Neighbor,” Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis and April 1 “Make a Difference,” Rev. Ray Kovach.

Fish fry lunches available

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, 1 Cathedral Square, Altoona, will serve its annual Lenten fish fry lunches again this year. The lunches will be available from 10:30 to 1 p.m. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, and then every Friday during Lent except for Good Friday. Cost is $12 and includes a fish sandwich, mac and cheese and coleslaw. Meals are available on a drive-thru basis at the Cathedral Alley door. Orders of 10 or more will be delivered to those who call ahead, 814-944-4603.

Fish dinners planned

– Our Lady of Lourdes Lenten Fish Fry will be held Fridays beginning Feb. 20 through Good Friday, April 3, in the church hall. Take-out begins at 3:30 p.m. and eat-in at 4:30 p.m. The menu includes fried or baked haddock, a choice of mac and cheese or fries and stewed tomatoes and coleslaw or applesauce. There will be a dessert station for a choice of a dessert. Drinks are included for those dining in and soda is available to purchase. The cost is $16 per meal. Our Lady of Lourdes is located at 2716 Broad Ave., Altoona. There is a handicapped entrance off of the alley with an elevator.

– St. Patrick’s seafood buffet, 731 Patrick Lane, Newry, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 20 to April 3. The buffet includes baked/fried haddock, butterfly shrimp, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, pierogies, fries, coleslaw, green beans, soup, roll, dessert and beverage. Cost is $22 for adults ages 13-59; $20 for seniors aged 60 and older; $10 for youth ages 5 to 12 and free to those younger than 5 years old. Cash or checks only.

– Fish fry dinners are available at the Unter Uns, 1401 Van Buren Ave., Altoona, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent. The public is welcome to eat in or take out. Meals are $15 and include choice of baked or batter-fried haddock, choice of scalloped potatoes or mac and cheese, with coleslaw, stewed tomatoes and a roll. Ala carte items also are available. Crab cake dinners are $22 and will be available only on Feb. 27, March 20 and April 3.

– St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Altoona, will hold Lenten Fish Fry Dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays during Lent, Feb. 20 to March 27, at Father Kelley Hall, 25th Avenue and Fifth Street. Dinners will be available for either eat-in or take-out. Menu includes choice of baked or fried fish, choice of two: stewed tomatoes, coleslaw or applesauce, choice of macaroni and cheese or fries, rolls and butter, and homemade dessert. Free coffee, tea and water or $1 for soda for eat-in dinners. Cost is $15 per dinner. Optional pre-orders start at 3 p.m. and can be made by calling 814-600-9288.