Slideshow image

This Sunday is Pastor Keith's last Sunday with Epworth. He has been appointed as the new Lead Pastor of Church of the Cross United Methodist Church in South Toledo. Keith will begin his appointment at Church of the Cross on Sunday, June 26th.

The SPRC committee will be hosting a reception, celebrating Pastor Keith and his family, this morning in the Narthex, between services. Punch, cake, and other delicious treats will be served.

Join us in saying farewell to Pastor Keith, Sheri, Jeremiah, Josiah, and Rebekah, as they prepare to live into Gods vision for the glory of Jesus Christ. Please also keep the Luke family and Church of the Cross congregation in your prayers as they begin this next journey of faith.

 

___________________________________________________________

 

Dear Members and Friends of Epworth,

I am writing to let you know that I have received a new Pastoral Appointment in the West Ohio Conference.  I have been appointed as the new Lead Pastor of Church of the Cross United Methodist Church in south Toledo.  My new appointment will begin with the new appointive year across the West Ohio Conference on Sunday, June 26th.  My final Sunday at Epworth will be Sunday, June 12th.

It has been my privilege to serve as one of your pastors. In my seven years here at Epworth United Methodist Church you have graciously received my ministry and my family, and for that we will forever be thankful. 

We have journeyed together through many exciting celebrations as well as seasons of loss and grief.  These experiences have connected us in many ways, however with this transition I move from being one of your pastors to being a friend who serves another local church.  Please know that you will be in our prayers as we make this move and would welcome your prayers for our family as well.

Again, I thank you for your graciousness and generosity over our time at Epworth.

In Christ,

Keith Luke
Pastor of Mission and Discipleship
Epworth United Methodist Church

 

 

Dear Epworth Members and Friends,

I write to you on behalf of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.   The Committee joins the entire congregation in congratulating Pastor Keith Luke on his appointment as the new Senior Pastor of Church of the Cross UMC in Toledo this summer.   We thank Keith for his many contributions and leadership at Epworth over the past seven years.  While we will certainly miss the Luke family, we are thrilled that Keith was offered this opportunity to step up into a Senior Pastor role while his family is able to stay in their home and their kids are able to continue their education in the same school system.  

The committee met last fall with our District Superintendent Scot Ocke and was advised that Pastor Keith may be moving this appointive year based upon his tenure at Epworth and the needs of the West Ohio Conference.    At that time the committee faced the question whether or not to request from the Bishop another full-time pastor if Keith was appointed to a new church.    The committee, in consultation with our Senior Pastor, discerned that with the appointments last summer of Pastor David Pettengill and Pastor Beth Irwin as well as the continued part-time service of Pastor Marilynn Schroeder, that we have adequate pastoral leadership to help us to fulfill our vision for this season in the life of Epworth.   We will be working closely with the pastors and staff during this transition and will reassess our needs next fall in consultation with the District Superintendent.   The committee has decided for now we will not be requesting from the Bishop the appointment of a new Associate Pastor this appointive cycle.

June 12th is the last Sunday the Luke family will be with us.   The SPRC committee will be hosting a reception that Sunday (more information is forthcoming).   The committee will also be collecting a love offering for the Luke family to present that Sunday.   Please consider submitting a gift via the business office or offering plate before Tuesday, June 7.    Please mark your check or envelope “Luke Love Offering.”

Finally, please keep Pastor Keith and his family in your prayers.   Keep our sister congregation Church of the Cross UMC in your prayers as they prepare to say goodbye to their current pastor and family and prepare to say hello to the Luke’s. Please pray for Epworth as we continue to live into our God-given vision for the glory of Christ Jesus.

Sincerely,

Jim Rhollans
Chair, SPRC