Calvary Moravian Church, 948 N. 21st, Allentown, stands warm and inviting in the West End of Allentown.

The church was established on the Moravian premise that ministering often means meeting people where they are, and sometimes rolling up one’s sleeves to do it.

“We really see ourselves at Calvary - and Moravians historically - with smaller churches that try to focus less on doctrine and dogma and more on what is in the end of our motto -

“In all things love,” said Pastor Janel Rice, who has led Calvary Moravian since September 2015.

Calvary Moravian, with a rich history and close ties to the West End neighborhood where it opened 77 years ago, had its first service on Dec. 7, 1941.

The church, founded as a congregation in 1939 is of the Christian Moravian denomination (Eastern District of the Moravian Church, Eastern Province).

Twenty-four people started the church and some family members are still active.

Today, Calvary Moravian has 180 members.

There is one service at 10:45 a.m., and a contemporary worship service at 9:30 a.m.

A 9:30 a.m. summer worship is offered the first Sunday of the month.

On average, services attract about 70 to 80 people and Sunday School is offered for all ages.

Educational programs include youth programs, confirmation, Vacation Bible School, Bible study and prayer experiences, and various spiritual growth programs.

“We are really rooted in this neighborhood.” Rice said. “I’ve been here for about three years and its been amazing the number of people who are from the neighborhood and can walk to church.

“It’s not that we’re not thinking broader, but I think we’re also trying to think about what is happening in our neighborhoods.”

The church is not only thinking of sharing God’s love beyond the West End, they are doing it.

Rice noted they have established a partnership with the Sixth Street Shelter in downtown Allentown that has given congregation members a chance to positively impact the lives of others.

“We established an apartment there,” Rice said. “We clean the apartment. We stock it with everything a family would need ... allowing homeless families to get a leg up and find a permanent home.

“It’s been a great project for everyone and an exciting way to share some of our mission and love outside of our building.”

Rice said Calvary continues to have “an interest and passion” for showing Christ’s love to the people the world often forgets.

Calvary Moravian also serves the community of Allentown through donations to the Ecumenical Food Bank and seasonal outreach such as the Angel Tree with the Salvation Army and warm clothing drives.

The church also has plenty of activities for members, including scrumptious meals featuring spaghetti, roast beef and chicken potpie.

“Three or four times a year we have dinners that are good and affordable and a way families or anyone can get a nice home-cooked meal without paying an exorbitant amount of money,” the pastor explained.

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Editor’s note: Stephen Althouse is writing a series of articles on Lehigh Valley churches.