Outgoing Transition Letter to Epiphany UMC

Dear Epiphany family,

In July 2013 my family and I came to Epiphany as a result of the West Ohio Conference Residency program. This program provides an opportunity for young pastors to learn how to lead a congregation by learning from an already thriving church. I had my eye on a few churches where I hoped to land and spend my time as a resident… But instead I got stuck with you, and you got stuck with me. ?

Thank God it happened that way! Just look at some of the opportunities I had during this residency:
  • Growth Is God’s Promise Capital Campaign
  • Participation on Building Committee 
  • Organizing summer worship at McCormick Elementary School 
  • Several Staff & Pastoral Transitions 
  • Temporary Opportunity to lead during the summer
  • Successful Wednesday Night Large Group Study (I’ll never forget those 10 weeks)
  • Church Leadership Team
  • Integration with different committees
  • New Executive pastor role
These and many other signatures of Epiphany will forever remain with me. Because of your hospitality, trust, and friendship (not to mention the love you've shown my family), I have received far more from this residency than I hoped. It is because of your faithfulness in ministry that Epiphany was selected to receive a resident pastor. And now, it is because of you that I am more prepared to serve God faithfully in another location.

That new location will be Friendship UMC located in Wyoming, Ohio, where I will serve as senior pastor beginning June 28, 2015. Their mission statement is: “To be disciples; to go and make disciples.” I am very excited to join them in this process, even as you continue the same process here in the Loveland/Milford area. 

My last day serving here at Epiphany will be June 14th, 2015. After that I will no longer serve you as pastor, but will continue as your brother in Christ. Until then let's continue together the mission that God has given us, so that those who we encounter, will be met with the love and spirit of Jesus Christ. 

Your grateful pastor and friend,

Rev. Meshach Kanyion
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