A festive atmosphere filled the sanctuary at Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, for the recent installation of the Rev. Kris Snyder-Samuelson as senior pastor.

The program began with a procession of robed pastors from other churches in the Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ denomination.

Amidst the background of ceremonial red altar and lectern covers, the hymn, “Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?” set the tone for the reflections and presentations which were to follow.

Though assuming a new position, Snyder-Samuelson joined the staff of Union UCC 20 years ago as associate pastor, working with longtime senior pastor the Rev. Thomas N. Thomas.

With a special focus on youth ministry, Snyder-Samuelson also shared in the pastoral care, programming and administration of the 1,400 member church.

When Thomas retired in 2014, Snyder-Samuelson took on the role of acting senior pastor.

A graduate of Northampton High School, Snyder-Samuelson majored in music at Susquehanna University and Elementary Education at Penn State.

She graduated with honors from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, N.Y.

Snyder-Samuelson recalls her desire to become a pastor goes back to childhood when she and her sister Roxane played church using white bread cubes and purple Kool-Aid for communion.

“Being in ministry has always been my dream job, and I believe it is God’s dream for me, too,” Snyder-Samuelson said.

Thomas, who is pastor emeritus of Union UCC, returned to the pulpit for the first time in two years to preach the sermon on installation day.

Using a Biblical text from the parable of the seeds, Thomas provided thoughts on the mission of the church.

“I hope we as a church can target not only the good soil but also nurture those whose lives are chaotic,” Thomas said. “We can offer a faith community that answers tough questions in life.

“We can be a mentoring community for those choking in the thorns of life.

“We can take the word and abundance of God to all places and bear harvest,” stated Thomas.

Penn Northeast Conference Minister the Rev. Alan Miller presented a certificate of installation to Snyder-Samuelson and noted the congregation is in covenant with the wider church beyond the local community.

Representatives of the senior pastor search committee stepped forth to offer remarks and gifts.

Member Ardith Kuhns also spoke.

“You encourage us to energize and use out talents,” as she presented a pink Energizer bunny to the new senior pastor.

Member Donna Christman reported the committee was looking for someone to lead the church in numbers and faith.

“We found those qualities in you,” said Christman.

Member Phil Wehr stated the committee was looking for a good speaker and preacher and observed what it wanted in Pastor Kris.

Snyder-Samuelson offered comments following her installation as the 11th senior pastor of the church at Neffs, which was founded as a Reformed congregation in 1755.

“It’s been a joy to serve here for 20 years,” the pastor said. “I’m honored to serve in this new role.

“I’m grateful the leaders of Union UCC have always been faithful to honoring the history and tradition of God’s church here while also being able to try new ideas and take risks to insure that what we do is meaningful and relevant.”