In a move announced on the Norwood News’ Facebook page, Pastor Bob Rainis left Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Epiphany (known as Epiphany Lutheran Church) in early March, just as the church was in the midst of its own transition.

Rainis, who had served at Epiphany Lutheran since March of 2008, is moving on to Trinity Luther in Wynandanch, New York.

In the Facebook post, Rainis also announced that Epiphany would soon be selling its building and begin to share space with Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, just a couple of block away. The final service at Epiphany’s longtime building will on May 16.

Rainis wrote, “Epiphany Lutheran Church was erected in 1928 at its present location, 302 E. 206th St., but was established in Manhattan in 1880. The church property is fast approaching the signing of its sale contract, details of which will follow. Epiphany will common mission [share] use of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, which is at 205thStreet/Bainbridge Avenue. Each of these two denominations will maintain their respective identities and liturgies, but will share in the Proclamation of the Gospel and community outreach.”

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the April 4-17 print edition of the Norwood News.