The Rev. Nancy L. Moore was installed as pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lehighton with much celebration at a service of Holy Communion and installation on Sunday.

Moore had served first as Trinity’s designated pastor and leader of Christian Education, and then term pastor, before being called to this permanent position.She most recently served as the pastor at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Weissport, and assistant pastor at St. John’s in Nazareth.The service of installation was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Zeiser, bishop of the Northeast Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.Zeiser, originally from Jim Thorpe, said that he has visited Trinity many times.“I have always gone back to where I came from with a sense that the Holy Spirit is at work in this congregation,” he said.Zeiser asked the congregation to be mindful of its role as Christians in the greater community, and as members of the ELCA.He also reminded Moore that she will never be alone in her new role, and that she will always be supported by her fellow clergy, family members and the congregation of Trinity.“I want to thank all of you for the past two years, both being with you part-time and then full-time, for all that you have helped me to do,” Moore said, addressing all of those in attendance. “I look forward to many years together.”The sermon was offered by the Rev. Kevin Shock, pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Pleasant Gap, in the central part of the state.Shock was a member of Moore’s graduating class at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and is a close friend.He began by reminding the congregation that this day, Sept. 11, is a day of reflection for our nation. But on this day at Trinity, it was also a day of celebration.“God reminds us that we have much to look forward to. We know, as the people of God, that the best is yet to come,” Shock said.“A new chapter is being written in your sight this very day.”He said the Gospel of the day, John 21:1, was one in which the risen Jesus shared a meal with followers and then asked Peter three times if he loved him. Jesus reminded Peter, each time this love was affirmed, to feed and tend to his sheep. We are similarly called to love, feed and tend all, even on days when we may love Jesus but not necessarily feel love for our neighbor or friend.“It is that love that our great big family is built out of,” he said, gesturing to the congregation as he noted that the greater ELCA is in many ways one family. “It is that love that will save our world.”The service also included music by Trinity’s Sanctuary Choir, thebell choir, and the children’s chime choir.Moore’s journey to Trinity began in 2014, when she became the designated pastor and leader of Christian Education. She is now the first female pastor called to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.“I’m really still in shock. I never thought in a million years that I would be the pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton,” she said, noting that Trinity is known for having a large congregation with many ministries in the community.She said a pastor is called to serve not only its congregation, but all members of the community who come in touch with the church. For her, this includes the many children and families who pass through Trinity’s Jack and Jill Preschool program each year, and countless others who are touched by Trinity’s ministries.Moore had 12 years of experience in Christian Education before attending seminary, and she greatly values the role of young people in the church.“Every call that I’ve had has prepared me for this in different ways,” she said. “The people of Trinity have been so kind, and so grateful. I love it here and have no desire to be anywhere else.”