The sanctuary was filled at Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, July 10 as the Rev. Dennis W. Moore preached his final sermon, baptized four babies and received gifts and good wishes from members and friends.

When Moore began his ministry to the group 20 years ago, on Nov. 1, 1996, the Lutherans were still sharing the Union Church building with the United Church of Christ congregation in Neffs.

Moore recalls he knew the congregations would be separating but did not know where the Lutherans would be going.

“I never anticipated having to do a new building,” Moore said. “Creating a new building never crossed my mind.”

But he went to work with the church members, broke ground for the new facility in 1999, and conducted the first service in the new sanctuary in March 2001.

“It was a tremendous experience to witness our new congregational home literally rise out of the ground,” Moore said.

Although the Lutheran congregation was founded in 1795, members never had their own building.

Moore said he endeavored to help the congregation develop a sense of identity after leaving the Union setting and becoming a Lutheran congregation on its own.

He wanted members to explore what God was calling their mission to be in the new setting.

“It’s always an ongoing process,” Moore said. “The church redefines itself in every generation. It is never stagnant. This is challenging.

“The church should at least stay even with societal change.

“We need to help people understand the place of the church in their lives today. It is not the same as it was generations ago.”

The pastor’s personal love in ministry is the worship services.

“It’s very gratifying to use different liturgies and new formats that are contemporary,” Moore said.

He takes a great deal of satisfaction in the missions begun at Union Lutheran 16 years ago.

He commended the congregation for embracing the disaster response ministry, which has been of special significance to him.

More than 20 trips have been made by Union Lutheran volunteers to many different states and situations through the years to rebuild or repair houses and to assist individuals devastated by natural disasters.

Moore recognized the pre-school, which opened several years ago with a Christ-centered curriculum and the Rejoicing Spirits worship service, which aims to make people with special needs feel welcome and appreciated.

Church members dedicated a meditation trail in honor of Moore and his years of service to the church.

Robert Blose, a member of Union Lutheran, the youth group and Boy Scout Troop 57, prepared the trail as his Eagle Scout project in the wooded area of the church property.

Moore and his wife, Pat, will be living in a new home in Albrightsville.

He said it will be a dream come true to own 30 acres for hunting outside his back door.

He intends to keep busy as a volunteer chaplain for the American Red Cross, and possibly do some substitute teaching and filling in where pastors are needed.

He looks forward to having his twin granddaughters, Madelyn and Julianne Moore, spending time at his country property.

“A home wouldn’t be complete without grandkids,” Moore said.