First Lutheran Church - Home of TLC School & Child Care

09/07/2026

VOTE FOR TLC!

Our very own TLC is in the Top 5 for Childcare Facility, Preschool AND Camp/Summer program categories!
Remember to vote for TLC in all of these categories during the final round of voting from September 13-20.
Congratulations to TLC!!!

09/03/2026

SEPTEMBER 2ND OFFERING BENEFITS HOPE DROP-IN CENTER
As part of our continued outreach program, FELC makes a charitable contribution to a worthy endeavor on a monthly basis. One of these twelve organizations receives a $200 check each month from the second offering. September's second offering will benefit HOPE Drop-In Center. Health Opportunity, Purpose, Empowerment (HOPE) Drop-In Center is a local non-profit organization that provides a lifeline and safe haven for those living with mental illness, homelessness or addiction. Meals, resource room, church, Bible study, and creative & social outlets are provided at no cost to the individual. It also connects people with services such as mental health counseling, addiction treatment and job-search support. The drop-in center is located at 711 9th Avenue Altoona, PA 16602, 814-515-1175. www.hopedropin.org
Thanks for your continued support!

Welcome to Hope Drop In, a place that extends a warm welcome to anyone seeking mental health and recovery support. Our center offers a safe and inclusive space where individuals can find respite and guidance during challenging times. We are committed to providing a supportive and empowering environm...

08/31/2026

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF BACKPACK THANK-YOU

Thanks to everyone who supported our collection of items for the school kits for Lutheran World Relief. We received enough items to fill 75 backpacks. Thanks to Beth Andrews, Chris Caputo, Natasha Witmer and the Trinity Stitchers for their sewing talents and stuffing the backpacks. We will have a blessing of the backpacks on Sunday, October 25.

08/31/2026

BIBLE STUDY/COFFEE HOUR BEGINS!

Our Bible Study/Coffee Hour will reconvene on September 13th. We will continue to meet after morning worship downstairs in the social hall. Our study will be “Bible Verses That Everyone Should Know byHeart” (based on the book by Robert Morgan). We will review familiar Bible verses, their context, their purpose and impact. You won’t want to miss this!

08/26/2026

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL HUNGER ACTION MONTH!

In the Altoona Area school district, one in four children suffer from food insecurity. This year, FELC is pleased to participate in the Mountain Lion Backpack Program’s September food collection drive!

We are asking for 10-ounce cans of soup, cans of Spaghetti-O’s, cans or packets of tuna or chicken, and the like, food items that are single-serving lunch foods (shelf stable foods without need for refrigeration).

This program is a wonderful and beneficial Altoona endeavor which is entirely community funded to help our children succeed.

Research shows that nourishment over the weekend fuels children’s bodies and minds, so they are more prepared to learn on Monday mornings. Teachers notice an improvement in the children who receive these backpacks.

So, let’s do it! Let’s feed these children and stuff these backpacks!

If you have any questions, just contact the church office or talk to a council member.

07/29/2026

AUGUST BENEVOLENCE OFFERING BENEFITS MOUNTAIN LION BACKPACK PROGRAM

As part of our continued outreach program, FELC makes a charitable contribution to a worthy endeavor on a monthly basis. One of these twelve organizations receives a $200 check each month from the second offering. August's second offering benefits Mountain Lion Backpack Program (MLBP). This program serves Altoona Area Elementary Students with healthy, individually wrapped, child-friendly food items all 35 weeks of the school year! Each week, MLBP staff and volunteers pack an average of 1,100 backpacks for children experiencing food insecurity.
https://www.mountainlionbackpackprogram.org
Thank you for your continued support!

Making A Difference Mountain Lion Backpacks provides food over the weekend for 32 weeks of the school year for students at the 8 elementary schools & Learning Express, in the Altoona Area School District.

07/12/2026

SCHOOL KITS NEEDED FOR CHILDREN THRU LWR

To many children, a simple school kit is the deciding factor between attending school and missing out on an education. In places where Lutheran World Relief works, even required supplies, like pens and paper, may be more than many families can afford.

Would you be willing to contribute?

Shopping Lists are in the narthex. We need: Rulers, blunt scissors for children, boxes of 16 or 24 crayons, erasers, pencils and ballpoint pens. We will be collecting these items for several weeks. Please donate only new items.

If you are unable to shop, a monetary donation may be made. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Thomas at [email protected], 814-944-3986 or Polly Bowers at [email protected] 814-943-4992.

Our next Circle meeting will be on Tuesday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. All women of the church are invited to attend.

Please help us serve others. It is a good feeling!

07/12/2026

CHURCH PICNIC AUGUST 9TH

Our church service will be held @ 10 am on August 9, 2026, at Lakemont Park, Pavilion #7, which is the first pavilion right inside the gate. There will be no live-stream or recorded service for the Sunday of the picnic.

Pastor Ralph Hamer will be presiding. Our annual picnic and fellowship will follow.

Chicken and sauerkraut with hot dogs will be provided by the church. Everyone is to bring their favorite picnic food to share, silverware, and a prize gift for Bingo.

There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Please sign, and indicate what side dish you will be bringing.

Parking is on the casino side of the park, and several handicapped parking spaces are available.

Come and join us…the more the merrier!

07/01/2026

JULY SECOND OFFERING BENEFITS ALLEGHENY LUTHERAN HOME

As part of our continued outreach program, FELC makes a charitable contribution to a worthy endeavor on a monthly basis. One of these twelve organizations receives a $200 check each month from the second offering.
July's second offering will benefit the Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg. The Lutheran Home was founded by FELC’s pastor, Dr. Luke Rhoads, and accepted its first residents in 1950. Today, this community of care offers independent-living apartments and cottages, in addition to a 67-bed skilled nursing, short-term in-patient rehabilitation, and long-term care facility.
https://www.alsm.org/senior-living-communities/the-lutheran-home-at-hollidaysburg/
Thank you for your continued support!

Discover a lively senior living experience at The Lutheran Home where you’ll find modern cottages and apartments in a bustling neighborhood, as well as skilled nursing, short-term rehab and outpatient rehab.

06/12/2026

Choir celebrated the end of another successful season with a dinner at Hadley's, compliments of our director, Joni Whetstone.