The weekend of June 27-28, 2009, was one of great celebration, memory sharing, and many tears as the Ebenezer and the Andersonville communities came together to bid a fond farewell to Pastor Paul and Sharon Koch.

The sendoff began Saturday evening with a service to commemorate the 20 years of pastoral leadership that Paul and Sharon have graciously shared with Ebenezer. Beautiful, unique music perfectly punctuated the service from beginning to end, including a call to worship played on the Digeridoo, harmony-filled choir pieces, and a congregational sing-along to Bob Marley’s “One Love”.

The message—delivered by Pastor Phyliss Kersten—led the attendees down the historical path of the Koches journey thus far. From humble beginnings, their story unfolded before our eyes, reminding all of the many milestones and blessings that have been shared along the way. The retrospective reminded all of the joy and unwavering support that have been part and parcel of the lifetime of service that Paul and Sharon have shared with so many.

At the conclusion of the service, approximately 200 gathered on the second floor in the beautifully decorated Community House. The evening’s merriment was filled with a video compilation, thoughtful tributes, heartfelt toasts, one-of-a-kind gifts, and song. All present enjoyed a wonderful meal while celebrating the Koch ministry and family. The capstone event—Tristan und Sharon—was a humorous operetta written by John Elmquist and performed by various Ebenezer members. The final note in the evening’s festivities included a performance of the bittersweet tune “Our Town” by Nathan, Andrea and Matthew Tolzmann, and John Elmquist. Click here to listen!

Sunday morning the church was again filed as Paul presided over his final service as senior pastor of Ebenezer. His message encouraged the Ebenezer community to continue to worship faithfully, honor God in all we do, serve one another, and continue to work for social justice as we carry the church into the future. His closing was a fitting and moving group singing of “Spirit of the Living God” as he slowly descended from the pulpit.

The service provided a celebration within a celebration as Pastor Paul baptized Giovanni, the newest addition to the Koch family in the Ebenezer font. As congregation and family witnessed God’s unbreakable promise shared with the infant, we were simultaneously reminded of God’s love and support. As children of God, we shall remain bound together for all our days regardless of geographic boundaries.

Even as we prepare to begin life A.K. (After Koch), it is a shared wish that this wonderful partnership known as Paul and Sharon that have led Ebenezer with graceful and thoughtful leadership find every happiness in their new home and next life step in Pittsburgh.