First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant

  • Home
    • Virtual Worship & Bible Study
    • In-person gathering deferred until further notice
    • Our Neighbor’s Place with pandemic protocols returns to First Covenant December 2
    • Daily Bible Readings
  • About Us
    • Welcome to First Covenant
      • History of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
    • Staff
      • Officers
    • Online Giving: Choice is Yours
    • Clerk’s Corner
    • The Covenant Chimes (Newsletter)
    • Covenant Preschool
    • Weddings
      • Presbyterian Church (USA) and Redefinition of Marriage
    • Presbytery of Lake Erie
  • Worship
    • A Word From The Pastor
    • Audio archive – weekly sermons
    • Bible study videos – Facebook LIVE
    • Fall Faith Formation 2020 – New Experiences
    • Weekly worship bulletins
    • Worship videos-Facebook LIVE
    • Worship videos – First Covenant YouTube Channel
    • Music Ministries
      • Vicary Organ
    • Memorials at First Covenant
  • Mission & Ministry
    • Caring Ministries – Deacons
      • Stephen Ministry at First Covenant
    • College Ministry
    • Mission In Action at First Covenant
      • Mission In Action: Sunday Supper Take-Out ONLY
      • Mission Survey – The Final Results
    • Youth & Family Ministries
      • New Policy for Protecting Children & Youth
  • Weekly & Special Announcements
    • Silent Prayer & Reflection
    • Life at First Covenant: Story Archive
      • First Covenant receives the Dr. Martin Luther King Award
      • Mission Iraq
      • A Time for Peace
      • A Transformative Experience: Our Neighbor’s Place at First Covenant
      • Linda Althof Honored as a Woman Making History
      • No Hate, Only Love
  • Contact Us
    • Directions

Linda Althof Honored as a Woman Making History

Linda Althof: “Our Shining Star”…

Written by Marsha MacKinnon, First Covenant Webmaster

On most Monday evenings in the fall and winter, First Covenant Deacon Linda Althof laces up her skates and takes to the ice. She is joined by other skating volunteers who serve as skating guides for persons with disabilities, many of whom have never been on ice before. Linda is the volunteer Director & Coach of The Gliding Stars Adaptive Ice Skating Program in Erie. “I have been a professional figure skater in the Erie area for the past 40 years.  Mr. Jack Schultz, whose grandchildren I coached, approached me 19 years ago and asked if he brought GS to Erie would I be the director and coach.  Of course I said yes and the rest is history,” said Linda.

Linda and her volunteers pair up with skaters every Monday night, from September to March, to prepare for the annual show.

First Covenant Elder Pat Tracy is one of the volunteer skating guides for this adaptive skating program. Pat is the volunteer Creator & Director of the Sunday Supper program and Linda is a regular volunteer for Sunday Supper and Our Neighbor’s Place Overflow Shelter. Pat nominated Linda for the Mercy Center’s Women Making History honor. Pat says “Linda Althof is the ultimate volunteer as she puts her faith into practice by helping others.  She runs Gliding Stars of Erie, an ice skating program for children and adults with special needs, she volunteers every week at Sunday Supper, a free meal served at First Presbyterian church of the Covenant for those who are homeless or in poverty and food insecure, she is a frequent volunteer at Our Neighbors’ Place, a seasonal homeless shelter, and she is a deacon and an usher at church.  Linda does all of this in addition to her full-time job as an educational assistant in an elementary classroom for students with autism.   Her enormous heart for others and her bubbly, positive attitude makes Linda a true blessing to others,”said Pat.

Linda Althof recognized as one of the 2019 Women Making History by the Mercy Center for Women on March 6, 2019

Every year the Mercy Center for Women recognizes women in the Greater Erie community who are dedicated to helping others, committed to women’s issues and has the courage of her convictions. Ironically, Pat actually nominated Linda for the 2018 Women Making History honor but since the awards evening was the same evening as the 2018 Gliding Stars Ice Show, Linda told them she had a previous commitment. She was honored this year on March 6. Linda is firmly committed to her skaters and her beliefs.“I believe that it is very important that the Gliding Stars do a public event, creating the venue for people with challenges to stand up and be acknowledged for their accomplishments.  This show reminds each of us every year of the triumphs of our skaters, the overcoming of enormous obstacles, working hard, never quitting and inspiring us with their courage and determination.  Every person with a disability needs and deserves to be accepted by their communities,” said Linda.  

Throughout the year, members of the Erie Otters hockey team join Linda and her volunteers, as they assist those learning to skate.

On Saturday, April 6 participants in the skating program present the  2019 Gliding Stars Adaptive Ice Show at the Mercyhurst University Ice Rink. Local musicians in The Breeze Band are rehearsing to present live Motown classics as dozens of handi-cap-able skaters and their guides demonstrate their skills on ice. Linda and her skating volunteers, which also include her daughter Kristi and  granddaughter Makayla and Andrew Spriegel,  are ready for a fun night of celebration. Nationally acclaimed skaters Max Aaron and Doug Razzano are the featured skaters on April 6. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Mercyhurst University Ice Rink. Tickets are available now at the church office at First Covenant during regular business hours. Join our cheering section for this fun event.Tickets are $10 adults and $5 children.

As one of this year’s class of Women Making History, those selected offer inspiration to others. Linda says she is the one who is inspired. “Every person with a disability needs and deserves to be accepted by their communities.  They have so much to share. This builds understanding and compassion making us all better human beings. My skaters inspire me soooo very much!,” said Linda

Congratulations Linda!

Portrait of Linda provided by Paul Lorei Photography Studios

Directions

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE COVENANT
250 West 7th Street
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 814-456-4243

Click here for directions.

Covenant Stained Glass

  • Mary 300
  • Hope Faith Love 300
  • Good Shephard 300
  • Jesus at Door 300
  • Jesus as Baby 300
  • Jesus Glory 300
  • 2016 summer 036
  • IMG_0865 resized
  • IMG_0867 resized
  • IMG_0875 resized
  • IMG_0884 resized
  • IMG_0899 resized
  • IMG_0900 resized
  • IMG_0907 resized
  • IMG_0912 resized
  • IMG_0917 resized
  • IMG_0921 resized

First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant

250 West 7th Street
Erie, PA 16501
United States (US)
Phone: 814-456-4243
Email: info@firstcovenanterie.org

Mission Statement

To awaken all people to our need for a life-changing encounter with the living Lord Jesus Christ, and to encourage and equip each one to become His fully-devoted follower.

Follow Us On

Facebook Instagram

LIVE CALENDAR

Click here for live calendar

© 2021 First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
Lovingly made by Worship Times, Websites for Ministries
Powered by WordPress, StudioPress & Worship Times · Edit Your Website

Worship Times