Meet The Pastor

Hello- My name is David Matterness, Pastor of Moonshine Church. I am known by some as Pastor Dave, and many others call me Ranger Dave because of my other vocation working for the Boy Scouts as Camp Ranger at Bashore Scout Reservation (Just down the road from the church). I am also a volunteer firefighter with Northern Lebanon Fire and Emergency Services (Greenpoint Station 46) and serve on the Union Township Planning Commission.  

I began my association with Moonshine Church about nine years ago when I was invited by a friend to attend a service. I was immediately taken in by the warm welcome and friendliness of the congregation. I also liked the less formal and structured worship style which was much different than I was accustomed to.  I started out playing my banjo and leading some gospel bluegrass songs, then I began getting more involved as a Trustee, teaching adult Sunday School, and occasionally sharing the message and leading worship. 

2020 brought many changes and challenges to most of us, and our Church was no exception. During the pandemic, Pastor Kirby announced that he was retiring, and one of our Administrators resigned his position. That left a huge void to be filled. After much prayerful consideration, soul searching, and guidance from God, I answered the call to become Pastor of Moonshine Church. 

I am absolutely humbled by the trust, support and encouragement I get from our members. God gave me a mission, with a vision to grow this church.  Soon after I became Pastor I suggested that we adopt a mission statement :  "The purpose and mission of Moonshine Church is to evangelize the lost, to edify the saints, and to equip God’s people for service."

If you are feeling disillusioned by current events, or holding on to pain from the past, or are just feeling the need to check out what Jesus has to offer- I encourage you to come check out our church, listen to the message, hear the testimony, feel the sincerity, and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit.  It could be a life changing experience.  I know this because it happened to me!