Refuge Weekly Update 9/30/26

October 1st, 2026
by Michael Kleinschmidt

Bold Ladies Lunch - CANCELLED

The next BOLD Ladies lunch for October 1st has been cancelled. Contact Patty Sanderson at 724-396-1809 for more information.

Special Congregational Meeting

We have the opportunity to purchase the property at 23 Broadway Avenue. Because the purchase of real estate property requires approval by the congregation, we are calling a Special Congregational Meeting for:

Date: October 4, 2026
Time: 12:15 PM
Location: Refuge Church
At this meeting, we will share additional information about the property, the proposed purchase, and how we anticipate using the property. Members will have an opportunity to ask questions before a vote is taken.

Our bylaws require at least two-thirds of our membership to be present in order to conduct the vote. Because of this requirement, the participation of every member who is able to attend is especially important.

Naomi's Peace

Naomi's Peace is meeting at Panera Bread in North Huntingdon on October 4 after the 11:00 AM service. The group plans to have fellowship, lunch, and to begin the study of Ruth. Please contact Beth DeLibero at delibero4@gmail.com or Gloria Lesnock at jglesnock@verizon.net for additional information.

Students

Disciples in the Moonlight - Movie
Sat - Oct 3, 2026 - 3:00pm

The Columbiana Arts Theater
5 North Main StreetColumbiana, Ohio 44408

Join us for a movie premiere of the Christian film Disciples in the Moonlight. The movie is playing Saturday October 3rd at 3pm at The Columbiana Arts Theater in Ohio and there will be a meet and greet with the lead actor afterwards.
Tickets for the movie are $10 and we plan to meet at the church at 1pm to drive together to the theater. We plan to stop for a quick bite to eat on the way home, so please bring money for food. Our estimated arrival time back at the church is 8:30pm.

Fall Gathering

We will be having a Fall Gathering at Four Maples Place (formerly Schramm's Farm & Orchards) on Saturday, October 10th at 4:00 PM. Please RSVP to Kim Hidalgo at khidalgo@churchrefuge.com by October 3 with the number of people who will be attending.

Baptism

We will have a time for believers’ baptism on November 1. If you have never been baptized and would like to learn more about what it is and why as Christians it is important, please email me at dhertzler@churchrefuge.com

Operation Christmas Child

We will be participating in Operation Christmas Child this year. Samaritan’s Purse sends gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children in need around the world, together with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mary Michalowski is leading the effort. Shoeboxes will be available on Sunday October 4. Please note we will also support filling gift bags for the Father’s Heart Christmas Outreach. If you have any questions, please contact Mary at solidrock14@gmail.com.

Boutique Clothing & Food Giveaway Volunteers Needed

Join us on October 24 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for our free food and clothing distribution. If you are available to help on the day of the event, please contact Amber Hooke at 724-433-7004. If you can assist with grocery shopping and basket preparation before the event, please contact Shannon Hach at 412-877-1552.

Father's Heart Thanksgiving Outreach

t’s the annual call for volunteers to serve at The Father’s Heart Thanksgiving Outreach on November 14 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. We are still in need of 13 people to cook turkeys, and 10 people to serve on the day of the event. If you can cook a turkey, please contact Corri Gross at corriagross@gmail.com. If you are able to serve, please contact Kim Hidalgo at khidalgo@churchrefuge.com.

Evangelism Opportunity

Our next outreach opportunity is the Apples n Art Festival in Delmont on October 3. If you would like to walk through the festival and share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ in casual conversation, then join Bruce Michalowski on Saturday from 1pm to 3pm. We will pass out tracts and enjoy the fair as we share the love of Christ with people. We will meet by the front entrance. If you have any questions, please reach out to Bruce at 631-478-2230 or QuestafterGod@gmail.com

AfterSchool at Refuge

We are exploring an after-school program on Tuesday afternoons from approximately 4:30 - 5:30 PM where neighborhood children can check in, share about their week, receive homework help, enjoy a healthy snack, and have access to devotional materials, crafts, and other activities—all while spending time with caring adults in a safe and welcoming environment. We will be having a planning meeting in the coming days; please contact Kim Hidalgo at khidalgo@churchrefuge.com if you are interested in participating or learning more.

Bible Studies

Men's Group

Our Men’s Group meets on Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM in the church basement. The group will resume on September 1 and will be studying Romans. All men are welcome to join. If you have any questions or want additional information, please contact Pastor Michael at mkleinschmidt@churchrefuge.com.

Women's Bible Study - Online

Our online bible study meets on Tuesday nights from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. The group will be studying 2 Timothy beginning September 15. If you have any questions or want additional information, please contact Sue Scimio at 724-216-2884 or Leslie House at 412-848-3647.

Young Adult Women's Bible Study

Our Young Adult Women’s bible study will resume meeting at the home of Patty Sanderson on Thursday nights at 6:45 beginning on September 17th. The group will be studying the Book of Acts. Who is invited? All young adult women in their 20's & 30's (single, married & young moms) Questions? Patty Sanderson 724-396-1809.

Women's Bible Study

Our Thursday morning women’s group meets on Thursday from 9:30 – 11:00 AM in the church basement. The group will resume on September 24th and be working through God of Deliverace: A Study of Exodus 1 -18. All women are welcome. Please contact Kim Hidalgo at khidalgo@churchrefuge.com if you plan to attend or have any questions.

Boutique Information

Sign Up here to help

Open Hours

Wednesday, September 30 from 7 pm - 8 pm
Wednesday, October 7 from 7 pm - 8 pm
Tuesday, October 13 from 9 am - 11 am
Wednesday, October 14 from 7 pm - 8 pm
Wednesday, October 21 from 7 pm - 8 pm
Wednesday, October 24 from 7pm - 8 pm

Donations can be made Monday-Friday 9 am - 4 pm. Please call the church office at 724-578-5583 before coming to ensure someone will be available to receive your donation.

Volunteers

Our boutique has been growing and reaching more people. We have also been blessed with increasing donations. As a result, we need additional volunteers. We have spots to fill in November. Please sign up here. For additional information, please contact Katie Morgan at kmorgan@churchrefuge.com or Amber Hooke at 724-433-7004.

Ongoing Groups

Men’s Group Tuesday Night

Our Men’s Group meets on Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM in the church basement. All men are welcome to join. If you have any questions or want additional information, please contact Mike Kleinschmidt at mkleinschmidt@churchrefuge.com.

Young Adult Women’s Bible Study

Our Young Adult Women’s bible study meets on Thursday nights from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sanderson’s home, 13500 Lincoln Way, N Huntingdon, PA 15642. Who is invited? All young adult women in their 20's & 30's (single, married & young moms) Questions? Patty Sanderson 724-396-1809

Moms Fellowship & Play Group

Our Moms Fellowship & Play group resuming May 8th will meet on Fridays from 10-12 at the Schall home. The Moms are walking through the devotional, "Present Grace" by Truth + Light Co as a group and fellowshipping together while their children play. Who is invited? All moms and their kids! Questions? Kristen Schall 412-525-3433.

Ongoing Groups on Break

Women’s Bible Study Tuesday Night - Online

Our Women's Online bible study meets on Tuesday nights via Zoom from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Sue Scimio at 724-216-2884 or Leslie House at 412-848-3647.

Women’s Group Thursday Morning

Our Thursday morning women’s group meets on Thursday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 AM in the church basement. All women are welcome. Please contact Kim Hidalgo at 724-493-0628 if you plan to attend or have any questions.

Toddler Play Through the Bible

Toddlers (ages 2-4) and their parents/caregivers are invited to join us for a Play Through the Bible group. We meet monthly, from 12:30-1:30 pm, in the church school building. Play Through the Bible sessions include an age-appropriate Bible lesson, snack, and craft. Parents/caregivers are expected to stay with their toddler for the whole time. There will not be childcare available. For more information, join the Facebook group: Refuge Toddlers - Play Through the Bible or text/call Melissa Sanderson (412) 420-7686.