The Rev. Dr. Michael B. Merrill retired on December 31, 2024, from the role of Lead Pastor at Parma Christian Fellowship Church in Hilton. Pastor Myke, as he is more regularly known, has served as a senior pastor in Hilton since July 1, 1980. He has engaged in pastoral care and leadership since 1972, a period of 52 years.
Pastor Myke and his wife of almost 50 years, Pam, led the congregation and preschool program at Parma Free Methodist Church for 22 years then shifted to the independent Parma Christian Fellowship Church and Parma Kids Preschool and Child Care Center in 2002.
In addition to local ministry, Pastor Myke has carried several additional roles:
•Director of Genesee Conference (Free Methodist) Youth Ministries, North Chili
•Board of Directors for Covenant Acres Camp, Pike, NY
•National Director of Youth Ministries for the Free Methodist Church of N.A., Indianapolis, IN
•Adjunct instructor in Ministry Development and Greek at Roberts Wesleyan College (now University)
•Co-owner of Choo Choo’s Express Ice Cream and Restaurant in Spencerport
•Co-founder of Centro Educativo Verdad y Vida de Honduras, Morazán, York, Honduras
•Board of Directors, Vice-President, and President of the Hilton-Parma-Hamlin Chamber of Commerce
•Author and publisher of 29 books and resources through Fifty20 Communications, LLC, Hilton
•Co-owner of Signs, Garments and More in Hilton
•Weekly Bible teacher at Matagaro Pentecostal Church and Orphanage, Kisii County, Kenya
The new Lead Pastor for Parma Christian Fellowship Church is Joshua R. Merrill, the Merrills’ youngest son. Pastor Myke will continue assisting as Pastor Emeritus at the church. He hopes to research and write more, travelling worldwide with Pam for speaking and teaching opportunities with corporations and organizations.
A retirement dinner and open house is planned for Sunday, January 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the church. Parma Christian Fellowship Church is located at 39 Hovey Street, Hilton, in the village center square. Everyone is welcome to stop in for greetings and to join the celebration.
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